Training and development
Training and development is something that is done well at National Star and is a major benefit of working at the charity.
We are a previous recipient of the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award and invest heavily in ensuring that all staff are trained to do their jobs well.
Joining our team
When you first join our team, irrespective of your role, you will have a comprehensive induction, for the first three weeks of your time with us. Our induction is delivered as a blend of ‘virtual’ and face-to-face training sessions.
The staff induction will help you to understand our culture and values and give you an opportunity to meet students and residents in a safe and supportive environment.
Everyone will receive training in disability awareness, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, boundaries and safer working practices, moving and handling, GDPR, health and safety and everyday first aid and environmental awareness. Then depending upon your role within the organisation you will receive specific training in:
- Personal care
- Infection prevention and control
- Back care and posture management
- MiDAS minibus training
- Wheelchair driving and safety
- Positive behaviour management training
- Understanding autism
- Understanding learning disability
- Administration of medication
- Makaton
Excellent training and development opportunities during your time at National Star
Many people join our care teams without a background in support work so the training we provide is designed to equip you with the skills you need to feel confident in your role.
Learning opportunities are not just limited to those undertaking care roles. Whether you want to be as good as possible in your current role or wish to keep up-to-date with new ways of working, we will offer training opportunities to help you excel at work. If you have ambitions to develop your career, to move to the next level, we’ll support you to do so.
Management training
We like to grow our own talent through our in-house leadership and management programme. We also work with external training providers including Glos Enterprise and the University of Gloucestershire.
We have rolling aspiring senior care worker, aspiring care deputy manager and aspiring care manager training courses running throughout the year which staff can put themselves forward to attend.
In addition, we also offer opportunities for staff to study towards their Level 5 in leadership management for adult care and operations/departmental manager.
Some staff have been encouraged to complete the two year Senior Leader Apprenticeship MBA in conjunction with the University of Gloucestershire.
Adult apprenticeship opportunities
We offer adult apprenticeship opportunities for people of all ages in management, social care, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. These opportunities are only open to staff already working as part of our team. Meet physiotherapy apprentice Thea
Teacher education opportunities
We have our own in-house teacher education team. Many of our care and support staff progress into learning support and teaching roles at National Star. We sponsor many people each year to undertake one of a series of City & Guilds accredited teacher education courses, allowing them to achieve their goal of becoming fully qualified teachers.
Professional qualifications and continuous professional development
Staff in our support functions such as IT, finance, marketing and HR are also encouraged to attend courses and to study towards professional qualifications during their time at National Star.
