An innovative new recruitment event, held at the Bournemouth International Centre, hopes to attract people thinking of a career in Dorset’s vibrant health and care industry.

The event will see local NHS and care organisations teaming up with care companies to bring exciting new opportunities for anyone looking to start a career in care through an 18-month scholarship programme. Attendees will be offered interviews on the day, with the possibility of a same-day conditional job offer too.

Pam O’ Shea, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Dorset describes this event as “The start of an exciting new collaboration between social care, local authorities, and the NHS. By working together, we can offer local people the chance to start a career in care where they will be supported and developed to work towards a variety of fantastic long-term health and care careers.

“This new way of working will boost support for care providers whilst helping people to develop skills they can carry forward throughout their career in the health and care industry.

“Opportunities such as this will help us to continue providing high-quality care. One example is supporting medically fit people to return home from hospital settings in a timely and safe way and have the care and support that they need in place.”

Catherine Granville, Dorset HealthCare’s Service Director for People and Culture said: “This unique opportunity is a first for the care sector in Dorset and will offer people the chance to earn while they learn, with support to gain qualifications while working in various social care positions across the county.

“Social care workers play a vital role in our society. This was evident during the pandemic more than ever. We are delighted to have a scheme that will encourage more people to join this important and rewarding area of work.

“Successful candidates will be part of a team, who can support each other through their vocational scholarship journey. The pay is competitive and there will be personal development opportunities and career pathways into a variety of roles, including therapy, nursing, management and social work.

“The positive impact people can make in a job like this really is like no other.”

Raina Summerson, CEO of Dorset-based national care provider Agincare, said: “The event is an outstanding opportunity for people to meet Dorset health and social care providers in order to find out all about the fantastic local options on offer.

“We have excellent opportunities on offer in a very wide range of care roles with all the support, training and ongoing development you need to grow a rewarding career in care.  You don’t need any previous experience or formal qualifications to apply and our roles include paid training with flexible shifts to suit your lifestyle.

“A career in care is more than just a job, it brings the satisfaction of making a very real difference to the lives of those you support. As someone who started in a care worker role over 30 years ago, I can thoroughly recommend it!”

Anyone looking to start a career in care or looking to return to care is encouraged to come along to the event and see what’s on offer.

The event will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on 25 January 2023, 9:00am-7:00pm. Parking at the event will be free of charge.

You can find out more and register for the event at www.joinourdorset.nhs.uk/care  where you can also find out how to get in touch if you are unable to attend the event.

For more information contact communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk