Opportunity for Nurses in England for learning and earning

ODEPC, a Government of Kerala undertaking, signed an agreement with the Health Education England (HEE) in England, on Wednesday, the 21^st November 2018 at 5 pm, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Labour, Skills, and Excise, Shri. T.P. Ramakrishnan, for the implementation of Global Learners Programme (GLP), a work-based learning programme. ODEPC has been authorized as the implementing agency of this program in the state of Kerala.

Nurses working in both Government and private sectors will be benefited through this programme. The nurses having an experience of six months are eligible for this programme. The Global Learners Programme offers a work-based educational experience in England for nurses and other healthcare professionals, initially for a period of 3 years. This will enhance and add to their existing skills and provide an opportunity to work in the NHS whilst gaining new knowledge and experience. About two thousand nurses are in need per “ODEPC will try to make use of this opportunity for the maximum number of nurses in the government as well as private sectors”, the Chairman and Managing Director of ODEPC, Shri N.Sasidharan Nair, said.

Government of Kerala has already taken steps to grant leave for the Government nurses for availing this opportunity. The Nurses have to achieve required scores in IELTS/OET. ODEPC will provide training for the nurses in IELTS/OET and CBT.

• All  Nurses with GNM, BSc Nursing are eligible.  There is no specific age restriction.
• ODEPC identifies and sources nurses interested in applying for the GLP.  The nurses must have a current registration with a professional nursing body, have six months post registration work experience in a general hospital and have evidence of recent clinical practice (within the last 18 months).
• ODEPC makes these nurses sit the CEPT (Cambridge English Proficiency Test) to baseline their English language abilities. CEPT test is completed online. It will need to be done under supervision by ODEPC.
• Nurses who score 6.5 in the CEPT are then eligible to join the GLP. ODEPC adds them to the ATS (Applicant Tracking System), and provides support to the applicant in terms of making sure their documents are in order.
• HEE then issues a letter to the nurse confirming they have been accepted onto the GLP and, if they reach 7.0 in English language, will be offered an interview with an NHS hospital.
• Nurses who have already passed the IELTS exam at level 7.0 in all four domains, or have the OET at level B, will be given an immediate skype interview.
• For the rest, ODEPC then provides an English language training package to support nurses move from 6.5 to 7.0 in English language proficiency. They also support them to book the exam when they are ready. We generally expect nurses studying full-time to take around 3 months to move from 6.5 to 7. For those working part-time, it is nearer 4-6 months.
• When nurses reach 7.0 and pass the exam, HEE will arrange an interview with an NHS hospital within 5 working days. 100% of our nurses put forward for interview have so far been offered a job.
• ODEPC then provides training for nurses to sit the CBT (Computer Based Test). An online e-learning package for the CBT which candidates who pass the IELTS/OET will be given access to.  ODEPC will to support the candidate to book the exam.
• Once this is complete, the nurse then submits their documentation to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in London via their e-portal.  ODEPC will support candidates with sending their documents in a timely manner, ensuring all information is there to avoid delays.
• Upon the NMC issuing the decision letter (DL), the NHS hospital can apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).  Upon receipt the candidate can then apply for their UK visa. ODEPC will provide support for candidates to get their documents in order etc.
• When a visa is issued, the candidate’s employing trust will arrange the candidate’s flight, accommodation, support package etc.
• The candidate then works as a Healthcare Assistant, before sitting their OSCE at Band 3 salary.
• When they pass their OSCE, they move to a Band 5 salary. 100% of nurses arriving in the UK under the GLP have done this successfully, generally within a few months. It is a requirement of the visa that they must pass the OSCE within 8 months of arrival, and with no more than three attempts. The nurses who could not pass OSCE is suppose to return of their own expense.