Newly-hired care workers get career training to run home care franchises

With the care sector facing acute staff shortages, home care provider Walfinch has launched its own career training programme and is giving its staff the chance to run their own franchise, based on length of service, to get more people to enter and stay working in social care.

With an estimated 122,000 full-time job vacancies in the care sector and many staff quitting the sector, Walfinch is offering newly-recruited care workers with no previous experience, training including NVQ qualifications and the opportunity to launch their own home care franchise at reduced investment, based on length of service.

Walfinch has 300 home care clients, 300 care staff and a network of franchisees across the UK offering hourly and live-in home care. Care workers hired by Walfinch can take ownership of their own Walfinch franchise if they wish, for a reduced percentage of the fee for each year of frontline care they have provided – this is up to a 50 per cent reduction in return for five years of service.

Recruits need ‘caring attitude and willingness to learn’

Amrit Dhaliwal, chief executive of Walfinch said: “We know that demand for home-based care is increasing across the country, yet recruitment of carers remains a prominent challenge across our industry.

“It is however, a very flexible, rewarding career that offers great scope for progression. Our professional career pathway programme gives carers the option of turning their rewarding job into a future business opportunity if they choose; taking ownership of their own care franchise.”

“For those starting a career in care, they are guaranteed access to a flexible job where qualifications aren’t the primary focus: instead, a caring, dedicated attitude with a willingness to learn is what we look for.

"To have the opportunity to then progress into a management position, or potentially run your own branch through our programme, demonstrates that there are real career prospects available.”

I've gained 'invaluable knowledge'

The home care firm's services includes personal care, companionship, specialist care for conditions such as dementia and multiple sclerosis and stroke rehabilitation.

Many of Walfinch’s existing registered home care managers have started their career as care workers. Sarah Wickham, managing director of Walfinch Suffolk Coastal started as a care worker before going into management. She now operates two Walfinch home care branches.

Sarah Wickham said: “I love care. My experience of providing care in people’s own homes and care homes has given me invaluable knowledge.

“Even after more than 20 years in the care sector, I love the variety that each day brings and I am still passionate about delivering care with empathy and compassion to the local community."

click here for more details or to contact Walfinch Suffolk Coastal