ESC & NHS Launch Training Academy to Transform Healthcare Workforce

East Sussex College and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust have partnered to launch the ‘NHS Career Pathway Academy’, a strategic initiative to enhance workforce skills, improve patient care, and build future healthcare talent.

This strategic partnership will deliver innovative training programmes to upskill existing NHS staff and create new opportunities for those aspiring to join the healthcare sector.

The partnership aligns closely with the NHS's People Promise framework, which includes the principle "We Are Always Learning," emphasising equal opportunities for professional development. Together, this partnership aims to provide comprehensive, flexible training solutions to upskill the Trust’s workforce, support career progression, and attract new talent into healthcare roles.

“This partnership is a powerful demonstration of how education and healthcare can work together to address workforce challenges,” said Donna Harfield, Vice Principal of Business Development at East Sussex College. “By combining our expertise, we’re creating tailored training programmes that meet the needs of NHS professionals today while preparing them for the future. It’s an exciting opportunity to support our local community and ensure exceptional healthcare services.”

Jenny Darwood, Acting Chief People Officer at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Making sure that we support our staff to become the best that they can be and that we recruit great, enthusiastic new talent into our services is vitally important for us in delivering the high quality care our communities deserve. I’m delighted that we have agreed this partnership with East Sussex College, which will be vital in developing and strengthening our teams across the trust.”

Key Deliverables of the NHS Career Pathway Academy

The academy will offer a range of benefits for existing staff and those considering a career in healthcare, including:

1. Customised Training Modules: Bespoke courses tailored to the needs of clinical and non-clinical staff, ensuring immediate applicability.

2. Flexible Learning Approaches: A blend of in-person workshops, online courses, and practical simulations to accommodate diverse learning styles.

3. Accredited Qualifications: Recognised certifications to enhance professional credentials and career opportunities.

4. Leadership Pathways: Early-stage management and leadership courses to nurture future NHS leaders.

5. On-Site Training: Facilities within NHS premises to ensure accessibility and minimal disruption to daily operations.

Strategic Benefits

This collaboration is set to deliver numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Patient Care: Equipping staff with the latest skills and knowledge to enhance service quality.

• Future-Proofing the Workforce: Ensuring adaptability to evolving healthcare challenges.

• Staff Retention and Satisfaction: Comprehensive training opportunities to boost job satisfaction and reduce turnover.

The NHS Career Pathway Academy will roll out in phases, beginning with a needs assessment to identify training priorities across NHS departments. Pilot programmes will refine course content and delivery methods, followed by a full-scale implementation to benefit staff across the trust.

ESC and the trust are also committed to engaging with local schools, providing hands-on experience to nurture future NHS talent and strengthen the healthcare pipeline.

Together, East Sussex College and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust are committed to ensuring exceptional healthcare services by empowering professionals with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.