25 March 2010 – Publication of DWP working paper no 78: Evaluation of the Care First Careers Pilot – Employer Feedback
This latest working paper is published today by the Department for Work and Pensions and details a research study with care sector employers concerning the Care First Careers (CFC) initiative by DWP which aims to increase the numbers of unemployed 18-24 year olds entering the care sector.
Care First Careers is part of the Young Persons Guarantee. This guarantees every young person who has been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months the offer of a job, training or work experience. Care First Careers are being delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health.
The research was conducted by the Price Waterhouse Coopers.
Key findings from the Paper are as follows:
- Employers welcomed the Care First Careers initiative to boost the recruitment of young people into the Care Sector.
- Employers rated the pre-employment training element of the Care First Careers initiative highly as a key lever to boost recruitment of young people into the care sector.
- Recruitment subsidies were also an important incentive for some employers, especially smaller care sector employers.
- Employers varied in their attitude to appointing young people; a minority were somewhat wary of employing young people because of lack of commitment to the job, poor work attitude and lack of experience.
- The findings of this report were used to support the decision for national roll out of the CFC pre-employment training.
- Other findings are being used to help with employer engagement within the CFC initiative.
Notes to Editors
- The DWP working paper 78: Evaluation of the Care First Careers Pilot – Employer Research is published today on DWP website.
- The Care First Careers was initially piloted in four Jobcentre Plus districts in Oct-Dec 09. From Jan 10 the initiative was rolled out nationally. The aim of Care First Careers is to increase the number of young unemployed people gaining work in the Care Sector.
- The report authors are Chris Dobson and Yvonne Bryne at Price Waterhouse Coopers ltd.
- This DWP Working Paper is available at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rrs-index.asp
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