HCSW education and training at Cardiff UHB: a local partnership that offers unemployed individuals accredited training and experience in healthcare

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The Welsh Government advocates initiatives that develop the healthcare workforce in a more flexible, yet sustainable manner ( Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), 2006 ; National Leadership and Innovation Agency Healthcare (NLIAH), 2008 ). It has also initiated work-based programmes for long-term unemployed individuals. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB), along with the Welsh Government and in partnership with social purpose company A4E, have developed, delivered and audited a programme that offers unemployed local individuals the opportunity to gain both work experience and relevant accredited learning as healthcare support workers (HCSWs). The programme has worked across both clerical and clinical areas and has had a positive impact on those attending and delivering this unique development and in doing so drawn together 2 Welsh initiatives.