An award-winning Walsall programme to help people into work has celebrated its 150th success story.
Tunde Vajko, who moved to the town from Hungary, now works at a local stroke rehabilitation unit after completing a pre-employment programme at Walsall Manor Hospital.
The three-week programme is called Work4Health, which was developed by housing association whg in partnership with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and Walsall College, to help people overcome barriers to employment and apply for a range of NHS positions.
Tunde said: “When I first arrived here, I was not in good physical health. My job as a carer was hours away, and the pandemic had a significant impact on me.
“I had a strong desire to make a change and find local work. Fortunately, whg provided me with the opportunity to work in a hospital and supported me throughout the process.”
Tunde has since formed a growing support network of colleagues and found a job that makes a difference.
“I love making my patients smile. If you have a caring nature and enjoy helping people you should sign up.
“I can’t thank the wonderful teams at whg and Walsall College enough for helping me start such a mentally and emotionally fulfilling role – they have been a pillar of support.”
The course includes work experience, skills training, and a guaranteed job interview on successful completion.
As part of her training, Tunde was also provided exam support to gain the Maths and English qualifications she needed to work for the NHS.
Marsha Belle, Associate Director of People – Organisational Development and Culture at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Following the initial pilot, the programme was further developed with whg, primarily to support residents who had been adversely affected by job losses as a result of the pandemic.
“We are so proud to be part of something that has had such a positive impact on those who now work within the Trust, the patients they care for and the local community.
“It’s great to see this initiative has encouraged further programmes that build on the learning and good practice of the original programme.
“We aim to continue to grow the programme within Walsall Healthcare to include roles within Estates and Facilities, Maternity Support Workers, and other entry roles.”
Alison Matthews, Head of Stronger Communities at whg, said: “We are thrilled our partnership with Walsall College and Walsall Healthcare has helped so many customers develop their confidence, skills and knowledge to secure jobs that matter.
“Through Work4Health, customers like Tunde are making a real difference in their communities, while upskilling and improving their own wellbeing.”
James Norris, Assistant Principal for Commercial Development at Walsall College said: “Work4Health continues to demonstrate the importance of connecting local people to local jobs by raising awareness of key vacancies and providing tailored training and support.
“This partnership goes from strength to strength thanks to the commitment of everyone involved, particularly our programme learners.”
To find out more about the programme, email Jobsandtraining@whgrp.co.uk