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Health Care Assistants (HCA) Academy

Thinking of starting a career with the NHS but not sure where to start? Introducing an industry leading programme which gives our Health Care Assistants (HCAs) the best start possible.

Health Care Assistants (HCAs) are the face of our services, a main contact for our patients, and the foundation of our workforce. To ensure that our HCAs are well-supported throughout their journey, Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (MSEICS) has launched the HCA Academy.

Starting work on a ward or in the community may be daunting at first, especially if you have no prior healthcare experience. The HCA Academy is here to provide you with crucial training and guidance throughout your NHS journey.

Thinking of starting your HCA career?

Joining EPUT as a HCA is a great launchpad to a rewarding career with lots of opportunities for progression. It’s often the first step on the journey to becoming a Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional (AHP), with chances to upskill and learn while working.

With the launch of the HCA Academy, there has never been a better time to join us.

What can the HCA Academy offer you?

Interested in learning more about what the HCA Academy can offer you? Read below to learn more.

The HCA Academy is a programme which provides extra support and guidance to HCAs hired across two Trusts – Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust (MSEFT) and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

It was launched to provide our HCAs with guidance throughout their journey, in addition to what is already offered by each Trust.

If you apply and are recruited for a HCA role at EPUT, you will automatically be enrolled onto the HCA Academy.

The HCA Academy includes an industry leading week-long induction where you’ll meet fellow HCAs, learn essential skills and find out more about the role of a HCA, all in preparation for placement on the ward or in the community. The induction is centralised between EPUT and MSEFT, giving you the opportunity to learn about both physical and mental health.

After the induction period, HCAs will receive ongoing pastoral support, check-in calls, progression pathways and a host of other opportunities. 

What is a Health Care Assistant (HCA)?

A Health Care Assistant, or HCA, is a crucial role within the NHS which supports patients on the ward or in the community. It’s a great opportunity for someone who is interested in starting a role in healthcare.

In a mental health Trust like EPUT, HCAs may:

  • Help with observations to make sure patients are safe
  • Work from the patients’ care plan to administer treatment
  • Provide emotional support
  • Participate in therapeutic activities
  • Join ward meetings and help plan occupational health activities
  • Observe and report changes in patient behaviour

This list isn’t exhaustive and is just to give an overview of the tasks that HCAs at EPUT perform.

Is this role for me?

The HCA role doesn’t require any prior experience, though some services may require a healthcare qualification. 

GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent qualifications are required. Once you are hired, EPUT can help with further education such as apprenticeships to enable you to upskill within your role. 

While being a HCA doesn’t require any prior experience, there are a few things you may consider. If the points below sound like you, a HCA role may be a good fit:

  • Works well as part of a team.
  • Friendly and approachable.
  • Compassionate, empathetic and caring nature.
  • Interested in learning.

To learn more, visit the HCA Academy webpage (link opens in new tab).