Work4Health Programme

Successful Partnership Award 

The Work4Health Programme in Walsall empowers local residents to move into employment by providing training for healthcare roles. This partnership between Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, whg, the DWP and Walsall College benefits the local area by supporting individuals into work and tackling skills shortages in this sector.

The three-week Work4Health SWAP (Sector-Based Work Academy Programme) gives participants an understanding of working in the NHS and care sector and helps support their job applications for a clinical support worker role. Learners achieve a Level 1 Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care qualification and attend a one-day placement at Walsall Manor Hospital. Those who complete the programme are guaranteed an interview at Walsall NHS Trust. They also receive CV, application and interview support for other employment and apprenticeship opportunities within the NHS and beyond.

As a result of this ongoing partnership, more than 150 local residents have secured jobs. The project has generated an estimated social value of over £1.2 million, reflecting the real impact the work has had on local communities.

Sylwia Staniszek, Clinical Support Worker at Walsall Manor Hospital, said: "When the pandemic started, I started doing lots of voluntary jobs for the NHS and this made me want to work in the NHS. Through the Work4Health Programme, I learnt a lot and now love working with patients. Everything has changed in my life now."