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A newly announced £5m government scheme will help people rejoin the workforce in health and care roles such as “pharmacy support,” health secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) has said. 

The scheme, titled Project Search, will target groups who “historically face barriers into employment” such as young people who have left education, unpaid carers, people with special educational needs, refugees and prison leavers.

The programme will help people gain the skills needed to work in the health and care sector, said the government, and will offer support with job applications and interview preparation.

“Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a local health and care employer,” according to a government statement.

The statement added: “Many will then move on to important roles, such as those in health support, facilities management, administration, nursing support and pharmacy support, kickstarting an exciting, long-term career within health and care.”

Announcing the scheme on June 25, Mr Streeting said: “The health service should… act as an engine of local economic growth, giving opportunities in training and work to local people.

“Working in the NHS is rightly seen as a high status, secure job.  

“But many people see it as unachievable and out of their reach. 

Project Search aims to get every young person on their programme a job in the NHS or with another employer and is succeeding.  

“The programme will offer a ladder into the world of work for people who find it hardest to break out of unemployment, including over 50s, unpaid carers and disabled people.

“They will gain the skills needed in health and care, alongside support with job applications and work placements, kickstarting what will hopefully be a long-term and rewarding career in our health and care sectors, where they will more than repay the investment we’re making in them today.”