Innovative new e-learning programme helps attract job seekers

Multimedia training and communications specialist, eOrigen, has conceived and delivered an innovative new e-learning programme designed to inform and attract potential new entrants by supporting them at the job application and interview stages.
Supported by Skills for Health, ‘Fast Forward – a job in health’ was created by eOrigen on behalf of the Skills Academy for Health, North West and North East.
The two-hour video-based e-learning programme is already being well received by job seekers who report that the dynamic use of actors, simulations, graphics and animation make the content engaging as well as informative.
Using a coaching process, the programme follows a character called Nathan, who is applying for a job in the NHS. During his journey – and assisted by ‘Anna’ - Nathan learns how to apply for the post, submit an electronic job application and prepare for an interview. By drawing on Nathan’s experience, job seekers will be able to identify the key skills they need to demonstrate if they are to be successful.
A bank of complementary resources is also incorporated within the programme. These include: a CV template; interview scripts; FAQs; and a list of questions for a candidate to ask during an interview.
“Our aim for this project is to attract and engage with young people and school leavers within the 14-19 age group who are considering a career in healthcare,” says Mike Farrell, head of educational developments at the Skills Academy for Health, North West and North East. “At the same time, the e-learning programme also needs to appeal to more mature entrants; to the disadvantaged; and to those returning to work after long absences.
“eOrigen indicated an excellent understanding of our requirements and demonstrated a high level of creative expertise. All our objectives were met within a short 10-week timeframe - without compromising on quality. The production standards were outstanding.”
Mike Mulvihill, chief executive at eOrigen adds:
“eOrigen has a track record of working with the NHS across the country, which means we are well placed to combine our dynamic approach to e-learning with a solid grasp of the issues and challenges faced by the health sector.”
The programme will be used by Youth Health Care and pre-employment programmes and will be delivered in schools, colleges and public learning venues as well as in the NHS . It will also be made accessible to private training providers operating in the healthcare sector.
An introductory video demonstrating the programme can be viewed at: http://www.eorigen.com/gallery/sample_v_ff.html
Ends
Notes to editors
Screen grabs available on request, demonstrating ‘understanding what employers want when applying for jobs’.
About eOrigen – www.eorigen.com
eOrigen has established an outstanding track record in multimedia production, supplying communication and training programmes to both the public and private sectors. Its high level of in-house expertise in film/video production and web development results in integrated multi-channel delivery.
eOrigen’s bespoke programme production is designed and developed for customers seeking global on-demand content that can be delivered via Internet or intranet; disc; USB; TV; satellite; mobile channels and hand held devices. In a similar manner to how viewers are stimulated by watching TV, e-Origen uses the same creative approach and high quality production values to grab attention and encourage users to engage with e-learning, training and communication programmes. Impact is assured through the engaging use of humour and drama.
The company has in-depth experience of working across a diverse range of industry sectors and has developed e-learning, training and communication programmes for the insurance, banking, telecom, health, defence, energy and education sectors.
eOrigen was awarded the International Visual Communications Association (IVCA) gold award for a programme developed on behalf of the NHS for non-medical prescribers. The company is currently producing several other leading e-learning programmes for the NHS across the UK.
About Skills for Health – www.skillsforhealth.org.uk
Skills for Health (SfH) is the Sector Skills Council for UK health, funded by the four UK health departments in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the education act regulatory bodies; and health sector employers and providers.
The 25 Sector Skills Councils which make up the Skills for Business Network are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in consultation with Ministers from the devolved administrations. Each one has a sector ‘footprint’ and central goals to address skills gaps and shortages; improve productivity and performance; increase opportunities to boost skills; and improve learning supply.
Skills for Health’s sector footprint covers the entire National Health Service, and the whole of the independent and voluntary healthcare sectors across the UK - which collectively employ approximately 2 million people. The majority of occupations are linked to hospital activities and community health services, but the sector also includes general medical and dental practitioners and healthcare professionals working in nursing homes and private surgeries, and retail outlets such as pharmacists, opticians and self-employed practitioners.
The overarching remit of Skills for Health is to ultimately help improve health and healthcare by assisting the whole healthcare sector in developing solutions which deliver a skilled and flexible UK workforce.
Media Contact:
Louise Jaggs, TextOnTap
+44 (0)1242 257770 +44 (0)7712 011246
louise@textontap.com
Issued by Louise Jaggs, TextOnTap on 17th November 2008