Care Workers are taking their first steps towards a career in management today (Monday, 5 September) as they begin Housing 21’s pioneering Extra Care Academy.

Following the announcement earlier this year that Housing 21 launched the care industry’s first Extra Care Academy, the organisation is delighted to announce the first 10 academy students have begun their two-year career pathway.

The chosen Care Workers were successful at interview and assessment stages and over the next two years will undertake qualifications, training and mentorship from experienced managers. They will also complete on the job learning and shadowing opportunities to support them to progress into their first management role and potentially senior management roles in the future, with the potential to earn £50k+ salaries.

Jamie Lindon-Lewis, Head of Quality Assurance and Commissioning at Housing 21, started his career as a Care Worker at 18. He has since worked his way to a senior leadership role.

He said: “I am excited to welcome our students to the Extra Care Academy today I look forward to following our first cohort’s journey and seeing how they develop.

“The academy will grow as we take on more cohorts throughout each year –which means there will be more opportunities for our Care Workers to get involved, so watch this space.”

Housing 21 is a not-for-profit, leading national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living for older people of modest means managing over 20,000 properties, providing over 38,000 hours of social care each week.  

Care Workers employed by Housing 21 receive benefits in line with corporate employees, this includes occupational sick pay, holiday pay and maternity pay. They will receive a further four percent pay rise in October to help with cost of living and 50p an hour enhancement for those with certain qualifications.

To find out more about our Extra Care Academy, visit: Housing 21 - Extra Care Academy