Specialist dementia care provider Vida Healthcare has opened a 2,500 sq ft training centre to support the career progression of people working in social care.

The Vida Healthcare Academy provides a permanent base for the dementia care provider’s bespoke training department following its growth from three to seven staff members since it was first launched.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said: “We’re always on the lookout for new ways that we can invest in our staff, and people interested in a career in social care, and provide them with career development opportunities. Our team is our greatest asset and the new centre will ensure we can provide significant professional growth and development opportunities throughout their time with us. This will also ensure we can continue to provide residents with the highest quality of compassionate care.”

Since 2019, Vida Healthcare has grown from 250 to 600 staff members, all of whom have successfully undertaken training and development programmes with the Vida Academy. 

Vida Academy offers a range of courses, from the induction programme for new starters and Care Certificate, to specialist training courses and apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 6. Career progression through the department can be secured by any staff member, from carers and chefs, through to home managers.

Sharon Oldfield started working at Vida Healthcare as a receptionist in 2013. She undertook training through the Vida Academy which led to her working up the ranks until her promotion to home manager at Vida Court in 2021.

The training department also hosts a dedicated app which was developed in-house and provides regular updates on news, training courses and opportunities.

The Academy building will also support the care home operator in attracting new talent and will be open to the public during recruitment fairs. 

For more information on Vida Academy, please visit: www.vidahealthcare.co.uk/vida-academy/