Jobs boost with Academy proposal
North Lanarkshire Council has backed the creation of a Health and Social Care Academy which could create thousands of jobs.
Councillors endorsed a vision for the Academy, which is being proposed to deal with the ticking timebomb of a lack of staff in the sector set against increasing demand.
When created, the Academy will bring together the council, NHS, voluntary sector and further and higher education partners to create education tailored for the workplace and high quality jobs.
Councillor Frank McNally, convener of the council’s education committee, said: “Research and workforce projections tell us that there will be a dearth of skilled staff in the health and social care sector if we do not invest now in the workforce of the future.
“Unemployment in North Lanarkshire is still unacceptably high and it’s important that we focus our efforts on where jobs will be required.
“This is an ambitious vision, bringing together all relevant partners who ensure we have sustainable services in the future and deliver on our commitments to jobs and the local economy.”
Councillor Paul Kelly, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, added:“It’s clear that we must act now to ensure a sustainable future for the sector. We have an opportunity to create a clear pathway to employment for thousands of people in North Lanarkshire and also provide support to the army of unpaid carers who do such a remarkable job every day.”