Free training for social care sector in Manchester

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has awarded Acorn Training the contract, worth £3 million, to deliver important training as part of its three-year Skills for Growth programme, funded through European Social Funding.

This will mean more than 2,600 health and social care workers will benefit from the new training, which will allow them to improve skills and identify opportunities for progression, leading to an increased capacity – which comes after recent news that the social care sector is struggling with job retention in the crucial winter period.

The training is set to focus on key themes which include technical training for support staff, developing leadership and management skills, recruiting more practice assessors and higher-level apprenticeships.

Acorn Training will combine its work with seven other providers across Greater Manchester, including Growth Company, Abuka, Rochdale Training, Training Works 4 U, Ashley Hunter, and Access Skills.

Cllr Andrew Western, Greater Manchester’s lead for Digital, Work and Skills said: ‘Investing in skills development and training in our workforce helps ensure staff are properly supported and employers have the staff they need. That is why today’s announcement is an exciting development for our vital health and social care sector.

‘Following engagement with the wider health and social care industry, the prospect of increased retirements in the coming years has led to concerns of skills gaps in the workforce. By bringing Acorn Training on board, we want to prepare the existing workforce for change and give them the learning they need to move up the career ladder, helping them to reach their ambitions and achieve their goals.’