Care Academy offers free and flexible training to give you all the skills you need to start a career in adult social care

The free course, which is delivered part-time by DurhamLearn, is designed to help learners explore the different opportunities available to them that best match their skills and interests.

Starting on 22 September for 10 weeks, it will help people develop a greater understanding of what adult social care involves, the diverse needs of service users, and other important factors such as safeguarding.

Chidinma Judith Dyke is one of four care workers recently supported by the programme. Originally from Nigeria, Chidinma was working as an English teacher in Ukraine and moved to England under the Ukrainian settlement scheme.

The flexible skills training has helped Chidinma and her three peers, whose first language isn’t English, to overcome barriers to learning and secure employment.

“I was so excited and so grateful to start the course,” explains Chidinma. “I have learnt so much – we even had the opportunity to do a shift in one of the care homes and that is when I knew that this is something I could do. I really enjoyed that hands on experience.

Chidinma is encouraging anyone interested in care to try the programme.

“You will be welcome here, you will feel comfortable and the knowledge you want to acquire is right here,” said Chidinma. “Everything you need to get that foundation for a career in care is right here. When I’m applying for jobs now, I’m not holding back anymore.”

To find out more about the courses or to apply, visit Free training to start a career in Adult Social Care.