Salford into Care programme offers residents practical pathway to care sector job-readiness

Delivered in partnership with Salford Employment Hub and the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford into Care is part of Salford’s wider Employment and Skills Strategy and aims to create high-quality skills solutions for employers while increasing career opportunities for local people, especially those from priority groups.

The programme is carefully structured and provides participants with information sessions and pre-employment programmes (for those new to care), one-day workshops (for care-experienced individuals to prepare for interviews), with guaranteed job interviews, placements, and progression routes, including apprenticeships and roles. Opportunities for participants are flexible across hospital, community and domiciliary care settings.

Participants are supported through every stage, from initial registration to employment, with training that covers essential topics like personal care, infection control, skin integrity, and communication with patients. The interactive workshop allows participants to practice essential care tasks on a trained facilitator who acted as a patient in a ward setting, allowing them to experience what working with patients is like.

Since January 2024, 126 individuals have been supported into care roles with Salford Employment Hub. 51 residents completed the pre-employment programme, with 63% securing employment at the Trust. Six workshops have been held, attended by 66 residents, with many moving into employment upon completion. And five community Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) events have been held, reaching 239 attendees, which has resulted in 73 job outcomes.

Nancy, a recent participant, found her way into the programme through Salford Employment Hub:

I didn’t have a job, so a friend of mine told me about Salford Employment Hub. I registered with them and they told me about a couple of trainings and programmes coming up – this was one of them. It’s been amazing. Stacey’s a wonderful teacher. It was interactive and fun.”

Mark, who had some volunteer experience in care, joined the programme through a family connection:

I actually learned of the programme through a family member who already works at Salford Royal. Before I started the practical session this morning, I was feeling very 50-50 and thinking, ‘is this for me?’ But now I’ve done it, I’m raring to get started. Working in care is something I really want to be a part of.”

Cllr Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support, shared:

Salford into Care is a shining example of how we’re creating inclusive employment pathways for our residents. By working closely with trusted partners like the Northern Care Alliance, we’re transforming the lives of people who want to enter the care sector. I really enjoyed observing the interactive workshop and seeing how important it is for programmes like these to be accessible for Salford residents.

I also enjoyed the experience of taking part in some of the training and gaining an insight into the wonderful jobs that people who work in this sector do.”

Rohema Khan, Head of People Development at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, said:

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering meaningful opportunities for individuals within our local communities. We are proud to contribute to the development of an inclusive and diverse talent pool, ensuring that our workforce reflects the communities we serve.”

The next Salford into Care course will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025. If you live in Salford and think you have the right personality to work in care, complete our online registration form to get started.