FAQs about Our Virtual Healthcare Academy for Adult Learners
Find answers for common questions about our programme. Use the menu below to navigate the page.
Our eligibility criteria is decided by our funders.
Participants must be:
- 17 and over
- Unemployed or Economically inactive
- From the following locations: Kursaal, Victoria, Milton Shoeburyness, Westborough and West Shoebury
The Virtual Healthcare Academy has been designed by educational experts alongside current healthcare staff and trainees to help you get closer to employment in healthcare. You can access 100hrs+ of:
- Blogs and guides on healthcare careers
- eCourses to build your knowledge of healthcare and the training options available to you
- Specialist tools like our amazing ‘Career Converter’ which helps you decode your past experiences and how these can relate to your future career in healthcare.
These resources are all accessible 24/7 to you online so that you can access what you need, when you need it and learn at your own pace.
This online programme helps you to explore roles in the NHS and hear from staff virtually. It’s been designed for those who would benefit from seeing what the world of work in healthcare could look like for them.
You’ll hear from clinical and non-clinical staff as part of this flexible, inspiring programme. It’s the first national programme of it’s kind to be developed in partnership with the NHS.
Is this programme free?
Yes, this programme is free for eligible adults in Southend. It is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
Is this programme flexible?
Yes, it’s designed to work around your other commitments.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, are working nights or have other commitments, we’ll be here to support you!
Do I need qualifications to take part?
No you don’t need any specific qualifications to take part in this programme. We just need your willingness to participate to receive careers advice and support.
What's the purpose of this programme?
We’ve partnered with the NHS in Essex to help eligible residents gain employability skills, opening up opportunities for local people and boosting the vibrant community of Southend.
We’re a supportive community of current and past healthcare professionals. We’re on a mission to support current and future healthcare professionals from all backgrounds to succeed in their careers. Want to know more? Click the button below.
No, you don’t need to do any preparations, your GMX job coach will ask you some simple questions to help us to understand your current situation and your goals so that we can help you.
Once I sign up, am I committed?
No, the expression of interest form is not a contract. You can let us know at ay point if you would prefer not to be contacted about the programme anymore, for example if your circumstances change.
What if I don't know whether I am interested in healthcare?
Our programme is designed to give you a taste of some of the amazing careers you could enter in the health and social care sector including at Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust.
If you’re not sure about healthcare, the programme will still be beneficial for helping you boost your CV and building employability skills.
I don't have a laptop or much space, can I still take part?
Our South Essex-based partner, SECH has a dedicated hub where you can access laptops, wifi and a space for yourself. You can find out more information from your mentor.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund
Who are the other partners involved in delivering the programme?
This project is supported by Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership. Our other partners include the following Southend-based organisations:
- Southend Hospital (MSEFT)
- SECH (South Essex Community Hub)
- Southend Borough Council (SBC)
- ABSS (A Better Start Southend)
I'm an employer, what other support do you offer Adults?
We have established programmes for Adults, you can find out more here:
Get in touch if you’d like us to support your current or future workforce.
This guide has been written by our team, we hope you found it useful.
We look forward to meeting you!