I - CAN
Embark on an exciting career with our pathway into Nursing in NHS Healthcare
"A truly inspiring experience which has sparked a desire within me to explore and develop with the University of Roehampton." I-CAN learner 2024
About I-CAN
I-CAN (Initiating and Supporting Care Leavers into Apprenticeships in Nursing) is the University of Roehampton’s 12-month pilot initiative to support care experienced young people aged 18-29 to pursue a career in healthcare. It is funded through Southwest Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) Priorities Fund.
What we do
I-CAN is an exclusive 8-week programme offering paid learning, inspiring talks and the opportunity to meet with recruiters leading to pathways into healthcare careers.
The programme will include a blend of learning activities and hands-on experience. You’ll gain vital skills and unique insights into the NHS, boost your employability skills through 121 guided support and opportunities for career progression. It covers a range of topics from Introduction to Health and Social care to Communication skills and Working in Healthcare.
Those joining without a GCSE pass or equivalent in maths and english will have opportunity to gain functional skills during the programme.
Support for care leavers
From application to graduation, Roehampton are here to help care leavers make the transition through University life.
Benefits of I-CAN
Build your skills and attributes with support and incentives along the way
Explore opportunities for career progression
Full-time, salaried apprenticeships for growth and development
1-2-1 advice and guidance to help you explore career options
Support and advice to help with wellbeing and health
Travel costs covered
Up to £2,000 financial assistance
Eligibility Criteria:
- Aged 18-29
- Care experienced or someone who has left care
- Must have a genuine interest in a career in healthcare
- There is no requirement for formal qualifications
Unfortunately, we are not accepting applications at this moment.
If you have any questions, please email i-can@roehampton.ac.uk.
Contact us
If you are interested in getting involved or becoming an employer partner, please email i-can@roehampton.ac.uk
Become an I-CAN Partner
I-CAN is looking for employer and referral partners with a shared interest and willingness to partner with our learners to support their transition into careers, so they can build stability for the future.
- Serve as a site for internships and work-based learning experiences
- Share your expertise to learners interested in your healthcare career opportunities
- Help support our learners to gain the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals
- Promote I-CAN amongst your networks
- Make a referral to I-CAN
- Help us to increase local community awareness of different paths in healthcare
- Share best practice and expertise to support what we do
- Opportunities to provide feedback to help us improve our processes and support for learners
- Regular communication and updates on progress
- Invite to build your network and connections at our events
If you want to commit to offering support for I-CAN learners, you can sign up to the I-CAN Pledge using our online form.
If you are interested in becoming a partner, please email:
Who do we work with?
This project is funded by the Southwest Integrated Care Fund and we are proud members of Care Leaver Covenant.
We are also working collaboratively with a number of other partners:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- You must be aged 18 to 29 years old
- If you have experienced any time in care during your life for any amount of time. This experience could include any of the following:
- Living with foster carers.
- Living in a residential children's home.
- Being looked after at home under a supervision order.
- Living with friends or relatives in kinship care – either through a formal arrangement (e.g. a Special Guardianship order) or an informal arrangement without local authority support.
Email: i-can@roehampton.ac.uk and we will check if you meet eligibility.
To register your interest, please email: i-can@roehampton.ac.uk
We are offering you a training programme that leads into a career in healthcare sector, in one of many organisations in London. Through the I-CAN programme, you can expect to:
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undertake a training programme to learn more about the role you have expressed an interest in or understand what career paths there are to allow you to make a choice;
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meet with employers who are looking for talented young people to join their workforce
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receive support when applying for jobs or apprenticeships and learn much more about working for the NHS or in healthcare;
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be supported to fill out your application form and have interview practice and preparation;
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receive a guaranteed interview for an apprenticeship or some alternative progression routes
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receive ongoing support during training and after appointment from our team of experienced educators
An I-CAN team member will contact you during one of the times you have selected, using the details you have provided. The call will help us to find out more about you, your skills and interests, and share more details about the programme. Please allow approximately 20 minutes for the call.
The training is delivered over 8 consecutive weeks. Each session last 3 hours and will be delivered by a reigstered nurse. During the training you will engage in a tailored course that focuses on equipping you with skills relevant to the healthcare sector. A blend of theoretical and practical sessions will cover:
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Introduction to health and social care
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Equality and Diversity
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Duty of Care
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Safeguarding
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Person-centered care
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Infection control
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Basic life support
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Communication skills
No experience is required. This element of the programme will provide an understanding of the wider sector, the skills required to succeed, and be delivered equivalent to GCSE level.
Please note, careers in health and social care are subject to a DBS check and potentially occupational health clearance.
To both encourage and support participants throughout the course, the University of Roehampton will not only pay London travel expenses and daily subsistence for on-site training days, but will also reward students for the time invested in I-CAN. Upon completion, participants in the programme will receive up to £2,000.
The training is delivered on site at Roehampton University Campus.