An event designed to get more young people into care work was a success for two promising candidates in our region, as they secured jobs following challenging interviews.
Lewis Clark, from Gorleston, and Lucy Burden, from Lowestoft, both decided to make a career change and went along to The Prince's Trust Get Hired event at The Open in Norwich.
In partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support (N&SCS) and the Norfolk Community Hospital and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), the day featured many activities, including a hands-on workshop to understand the skills and compassion required for roles in health and social care.
Funded by Norfolk County Council and produced by N&SCS, a new recruitment DVD was shown to explain the different types of care roles available in the adult social care sector and the career progression young people can take.
Guidance on interview preparation was also given to equip the young people with the right information and techniques ready for the afternoon's session of interviews by visiting care providers.
Mr Clarke, 24, was working for an offshore oil company, on the rigs, when his hand and arm were injured forcing him to rethink his career path. He said: 'Care is something I've always wanted to get into and although being injured wasn't a good thing to happen, it has put me in a position to get the background I needed to go into care. My family have a range of illnesses that has made me aware of how people need care.
'My niece has Cerebral Palsy and when I left my offshore job I was able to help out, so I have some experience of care already.
'Everything the Prince's Trust has done has been fantastic. I'm so pleased that I can get into social care now.
'Basically, my aim is to get into healthcare and study for a Foundation Degree to get the qualifications I need to go to university and by 30 be an Occupational Therapist.'
Miss Burden, 18, worked in retail for a local home store in Lowestoft and decided that it really wasn't her 'thing'. She added: 'I wanted a job where I made a difference. My mum is a carer and she has been doing it ever since she was 18 and loves it.
'I'm non-talkative but the course and the Care Certificate have really brought me out of my shell. I really loved the people from the Prince's Trust, they gave me the individual attention and support to give me the confidence I needed. I can't wait to start!'
The pair were just two of 12 young people who took part in the day, and were interviewed by three different care providers. Both now have jobs with Doughty's in Norwich.
The whole group had already gained useful experience when they undertook a month-long training scheme in February to complete a Care Certificate as part of the Prince's Trust 'Get Into Healthcare' scheme.
Christine Futter, Chief Operating Officer of Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support said: 'Health and social care is the biggest sector in Norfolk and with care providers struggling to find care workers, particularly in rural locations - encouraging more people, with the right values, is essential.
'It is wonderful that an idea we worked on together with The Prince's Trust has come to fruition bringing employers in both adult social care and health to meet young people who are considering a career in care.
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