Leading training provider Realise secured the backing of Yorkshire Learning Providers through the Skills Connect funding stream to offer the Level 4 Transition to Leadership and the Management of Innovation and Change qualification to 16 people residing in the UK on sponsorship visas.

The learners all work at Meridian Health and Social Care in settings across Leeds and Wakefield.

It is the first time care professionals on sponsorship visas have been able to access public funding for training outside of Greater London.

Some of those who completed the pilot programme have already been promoted into senior positions.

Lesley O’Connor, Head of Strategic Development at Realise, said upskilling overseas workers offered huge potential in helping to address the staffing crisis within care.

She said:
“Usually people on sponsorship visas have to be in England for three years before they can access public funding for training. They are expected to pay for all their training and, understandably, this is a barrier for many people.

“Meanwhile, employers are desperate to upskill staff but can’t afford to. This pilot sought to prove the benefits of giving people on sponsorship visas equality of training.

Lesley continues,

“Following this pilot, we can demonstrate this programme works and we would like to take it to other devolved regions to help care settings develop their people.”

Lesley said people are more likely to apply for a visa extension and show loyalty to a setting if they feel they have been invested in.

The pilot followed negotiations between Realise and Yorkshire Learning Providers. It was the first time funded Level 4 provision of any kind had been offered in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority region.

The 16 learners completed the programme over 10 weeks, including one-to-ones, webinars and final discussion.

The programme is designed to help learners advance in their careers – into positions such as deputy manager – and includes single unit delivery of the Management of Innovation and Change at Level 5, an accredited element which adds credibility and helps with Leave to Remain applications.

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Claire Ross, Registered Branch Manager at Meridian Health & Social Care in Wakefield, said two of its employees that had completed the course had already been promoted to team leader positions.

She said:

“We are thrilled that our international workers have been given a chance to progress within the company by learning these much-needed skills.

Kelly Townend, Operations Manager of Yorkshire Learning Providers, praised the scheme.

There were 23,200 applications from main applicants for Health and Care visas in the UK between April 2024 and January 2025.

Sponsorship visas generally last for 12 months but can be extended to two years and beyond.

Realise is proud to be paving the way to accessible training for all within our brilliant care sector.