The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), in partnership with Essex County Council’s Year of Opportunity Programme, is playing a pivotal role in the launch of a new initiative aimed at helping unemployed people, or those working less than 25 hours per week, into paid employment across West Essex.
The West Essex Health and Care Careers Pathway Programme will support people to build skills, get signposted to the wide range of support that is available, and to explore the varied career options in the health and care sector. This includes clinical roles but also careers in areas such as portering, catering, housekeeping and administration.
The programme is going to be officially launched at an Employability Fair being held on Thursday 19 March when job seekers can visit the Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT) hub, located on the first floor of the Harvey Centre in Harlow Town Centre from 10am to 1pm.
There is no need to register, anyone interested in finding out more can simply turn up on the day.
The Employability Fair will be an opportunity to:
- Find out more about employment, training, volunteering, and development opportunities
- Speak to the team who will be on-hand with more information about the programme and available to talk about next steps and opportunities
- Meet local partners committed to widening participation and inclusive employment
The event is specifically aimed at people that might be at the start of their career journey, returning to work or looking to explore and find out more about the various career opportunities.
Giovanna Leeks, Chief People Officer at PAHT said: “As an anchor organisation in Essex, employing over 4,000 people, we are very excited to be part of this new initiative to support people currently not working, or those working less than 25 hours per week, to get support and enable them to explore the wide and varied career opportunities on offer both here at PAHT and other organisations across West Essex.
“This is not just a short-term project. The aim is to build the foundations for a long-term commitment and to help to develop the future workforce for the health and care sector across Essex and beyond.”
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, said: “At Essex County Council, we continue to champion opportunity across the county, and this new initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting Essex residents into meaningful, sustained employment within the health and care sector. By opening up accessible pathways into these roles, we are not only helping individuals move into paid work but also strengthening a vital workforce that our communities rely on every day.
“This programme firmly delivers on the adult strand of the Essex Year of Opportunity and is now deeply embedded within the work of PAHT. It also highlights the impact of the Essex Growth Agency and our shared commitment to enabling inclusive economic growth. It is fantastic to see this partnership driving long‑term benefits for residents, employers, and the wider health and care system across Essex.”
Visit the website for further information: www.pah.nhs.uk/careers/wehccp/
For directions to the MRCT Hub in the Harvey Centre please visit: www.theharveycentre.com/centre-map/
If you have any questions, email [email protected]