Barnsley College and NHS Barnsley Cement Partnership

An event celebrating successful partnership working, sharing resources and expertise and creating opportunities for future Barnsley workers drew together staff from Barnsley College and NHS Barnsley recently.  The partnership was cemented with the signing of an agreement which pledges the commitment of both organisations for the future.
Star guests at the event included 20 people currently taking part in the Cadet scheme which really demonstrates the progress Barnsley is making towards creating and developing a skilled and experienced workforce. The scheme offers students and people looking for vocational career development to sign up and work towards an NVQ in their specialist field whilst getting hands on experience and training at NHS Barnsley. Cadet placements range from domestic and housekeeping roles to office and administration, IT and catering placements.

The programme included a presentation from nurses working at the Health and Wellbeing Centre which is believed to be the first service of its kind in the UK. Based at the Old Mill Lane College site, the service reported their many milestones and achievements to date. Students at the college can access confidential and free services including stop smoking, contraception and sexual health screening and advice, mental health and other health related support.

The partnership and joint working arrangements have been developing for the past year, resulting in a number of successful schemes in operation. Plans for further work between the two organisations is ongoing.