A new mental health nursing T-Level at Wiltshire College & University Centre will help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals for careers within the NHS and wider care sector.
The two-year course will launch at the college’s Salisbury campus in September, combining classroom teaching and practical training with 315 hours of industry placements at Salisbury District Hospital and within the care sector.
Students will train in the college’s Healthcare Zone, which features a replica hospital ward designed in partnership with the NHS to mirror the facilities at Salisbury District Hospital. The zone also includes an ambulance bay with a real ambulance, a reception area, an observation ward and a domiciliary care bedroom.
The course is the latest development in the college’s growing partnership with the NHS. The first cohort of students on its adult nursing T-Level have progressed into the healthcare sector or continued their studies at university, while a midwifery course has also been introduced at the college’s Trowbridge campus.
Garrath Pledger, Deputy Head of Health and Life Sciences, said, “There’s obviously a massive demand for mental health care in this country and we wanted to try and provide our healthcare students with another career option. We’ve also had requests from students who are interested in pursuing this as a career, so it was an obvious choice for us.”
During the first year, students will learn the core principles and practical skills of nursing in the Healthcare Zone. They will also complete a placement in the social care sector, including opportunities to work in a care home.
In the second year, students will be able to choose between a mental health nursing placement and an adult nursing placement.
Garrath said, “The first year is really where they will learn the basic skills and, through working on our replica ward and on the placement, they will develop their communication and general people skills. This will help them build their knowledge and confidence before they begin their placements in year two.”
He added that experience within social care would be particularly valuable for students hoping to work in mental health.
“I think the social care placement is really going to help students going into mental health because looking after people in that care environment will develop the patient skills they will need,” he said.
The college is working closely with the NHS to provide students with as much practical experience and first-hand knowledge as possible, including workshops delivered during the first year.
Garrath said, “We want students doing as many tasks in our ward at the college as possible to help them feel a lot more comfortable when they go on placements.”
Feedback from students and NHS staff is continually assessed to improve the placement programme and ensure students receive valuable real-world experience.
“The beauty of the T-Level is that it gives our students 315 hours in the workplace, so they get an insight into what it really looks and feels like, warts and all,” said Garrath. “They come out knowing exactly what the job is and that’s invaluable.”
The college is discussing potential mental health placements with the NHS, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, care homes and mental health charities.
“We’ve already had a few students sign up, so we are very excited about the course,” Garrath said. “For anyone considering a career in mental health nursing, this will be an excellent grounding.
“Our students have got two main routes after completing the course. They can carry on to university to develop their skills or they’ve got the opportunity to go into industry, where they can build skills and gain qualifications on the job.
“They will be able to use their knowledge and experience from their placement in many different areas, including hospitals, the social care sector, supporting social workers and working with families.”
For more information about healthcare courses at Wiltshire College & University Centre, visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk.
