The aim of the Public Sector Trainee Programme is to provide 16 to 24 year olds, who are seeking work or seeking a career change with an opportunity to undertake a period of work experience and training, to give them the best opportunity of entering an apprenticeship or employment.

A Traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to a year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.

Traineeships help 16 to 24 year olds - or 25 year olds with an education, health and care (EHC) plan - get ready for an apprenticeship or job if they don't have the appropriate skills or experience.

Alongside the placement the trainee will undertake the following:

  • Study programme to be delivered by an education/training provider
  • Maths and English Function Skills (If required)
  • Personal skills (Personal and Professional Development) Level 1
  • Health and Wellbeing Level 2
  • Work placement within Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • Typically 2 days with the education/training provider, 3 days on work placement.

The placement not only gives the Trainee the chance to gain an understanding of the NHS working environment but also allows the participant and host team an opportunity to "try before you buy"

Summary of the programme

16 to 24 year olds - or 25 year olds with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. NB for placements in clinical areas trainees are required to be over 18 years old.

Traineeships can last from 6 weeks up to a year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.

Placements are typically 3 day per week.

 

 

Trainees should undertake tasks that will enable them to gain confidence in the work place and in their own abilities. Trainess should be shadowing and observing, but not involved if there are patient confidentiality issues. All participants on placement with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust will receive an induction to the trust, and complete mandatory training in patient confidentiality, safeguarding, information governance and personal conduct.  They will also receive a local induction in their area of placement. 

As a trust requirement all participants on work based placements must have a placement supervisor. This supervisor will be the main lead of the placement and will monitor all activities that are undertaken by or with the participant. There can be multiple supervisors for any location this should allow flexibility of time and shift patterns if required.  

The participants will complete a reflective/personal development journal. This will predominantly be reflective on the experience. Placement supervisor(s) will also give written feedback to the participant on the knowledge,skills and behaviours demonstrated during time on placement.

 

 

 

Placement can be anywhere in the trust with any team or department. There may be some restrictions in certain settings such as:

  • No under 18s on inpatient wards

  • Placement participants are not to be left alone with service users

  • Participants must not undertake any clinical task

  • Working hours can be determined by placement supervisors but this must be between 8am and 5pm if the participant is under 18

  • Some placement areas may require a DBS certificate prior to commencing on a placement with Mersey Care.

  • The traineeship, education or training provider may be able to support participants with the cost of the DBS certificate

 

For further information on Traineeships or offering a Traineeship opportunity please contact TalentforCare@merseycare.nhs.uk