Warrington teenagers inspired by healthcare professionals working on the frontline in the global coronavirus pandemic are being offered a new careers pathway.
UTC Warrington is launching a new technical specialism in healthcare, backed by employers, to educate and train the health and social care workers of the future.
Amanda Downing, Associate Principal, UTC Warrington, said: “Our new healthcare specialism is an important addition to our curriculum offer given the national surge of interest from young people in health and social care careers since the start of the pandemic, as well as the urgent need for new talent in the sector.”
She added: “As a UTC, we train young people in the scientific and technical skills which are increasingly in demand in these roles, alongside essential people skills such as empathy, communication and teamwork.”
From September 2021, students in Year 10 and Year 11 will be able to study a BTEC in Health and Social Care alongside their GCSEs.
In sixth form, students will be able to choose from a vocational route with a BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care, equivalent to three A levels. Or students can study a combined route completing a BTEC Diploma alongside A Levels.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is one of the employers working with UTC Warrington on the new healthcare specialism.
Sarah Power, Talent for Care Programme Facilitator, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As an organisation, we are really keen to work with the UTC to offer students some insight into our services and how they operate and to hopefully inspire them to consider a career in the NHS. Our staff are passionate about the work that they do and keen to share that enthusiasm with local young people.”
She added: “We are continually expanding the work we do in our local community and hope to create a unique link with UTC Warrington that will ideally see some of the students undertaking these new health and social care pathways to form part of our future workforce.”
Alongside their studies, students will work with local health and social care employers through site visits, work placements and practical masterclasses.
Students will complete real-life challenges, set by employers to build their industry knowledge and skills, and progress to health and social care related degree courses and high quality apprenticeships after successfully completing their studies at the UTC.
UTC Warrington is a technical school for 14 to 19-year-olds, backed by employers and Manchester Metropolitan University, that is Ofsted graded ‘good’.
The £10 million facility is equipped with industry leading facilities and specialises in engineering, digital, construction and healthcare. Students complete technical qualifications alongside GCSEs and A Levels, and work on employer projects, giving them a head start on their career ambitions.