 |
|
 Learning in Union, 11 December 2008, Plymouth Illuminating Learning: a celebration for unions across the North West  |
Case study: Access to a healthy careerThrough partnership working between unionlearn* and Aimhigher* Greater Manchester, support staff from Pennine Acute NHS Trust are piloting the new health strand of the local Vocational Access Project. The project offers Access to Higher Education at levels 2 and 3 and combines key skills, theory and work-based research. Designed to lead to specific higher education qualifications, it is adaptable for each workplace and learner, and allows prior learning and experience to count towards accreditation. Unionlearn Project Worker Janet Valentine linked up with Aimhigher's Janice Estcourt during 2005 when the project - aimed originally at community workers - was in its infancy. Through awareness-raising with UNISON and discussions between Aimhigher , the Trust and Manchester Adult Education Service, it has been adapted to offer progression in hospital careers including theatre and operating department practitioner roles. The model may now be developed to suit other roles, and other NHS Trusts are also looking to get involved. A version for the housing sector is also in the pipeline following links with GMB and UNISON at New Charter Housing in Tameside, and discussions have started with the Youth Service in Tameside via CYWU (now part of T&G).
Pictured are six members of the Pennine Acute Vocational Access pilot, group who currently meet at North Manchester General Hospital on Friday afternoons. Although they are just a few months into a course that may last a year or more, they are already giving positive feedback. Case studies and projects (300 words) issued 22 Mar 2007 |
|
unionlearn Telephone 020 7079 6920 |
|
