Ruby Rose, aged 16, is urging other young people to take on care worker apprenticeships after embarking on a Health & Social Care Level 2 apprenticeship at Wisteria House care home in Plymouth.
Her passion for working in the care home sector was ignited by her grandparents who are living with early onset dementia.
She said: “I really love visiting and helping them. They mean the world to me.”
Ruby was inspired by her mum who used to work as a carer
She was also inspired by her mum as she too, “was a personal carer for a long time and we used to spend a lot of time with the lady she looked after”.
Ruby left school in Year 10 as she found school “just wasn’t for me”.
From there she went to Picquet Barracks which part of City College Plymouth and completed qualifications in maths, English and hair and beauty and then entered into an apprenticeship with the training provider Realise, one of the leading providers in health and social care qualifications.
‘I would definitely encourage other young people’ to ‘build a career in care’
“I would definitely encourage other young people to join and to start to build a career in care.
“The support I have received from my trainers as Realise has been fantastic. They are always there for me and willing to help whenever they can.
“I want to continue to grow and I am already thinking about a Level 3 apprenticeship once I have completed my Level 2,” said Ruby.
‘It’s 100% where I want to spend my career’
She added: “Working in care is hard work and emotionally draining, but I love it. It’s 100% where I want to spend my career.”
During her apprenticeship Ruby has already learnt to be understanding and patient with the residents when they get upset or distressed due to their dementia.
She said: “There are many pros and cons about working in care but I would definitely recommend it.
“The best part is the relationships you form with the residents and the fun day trips. The residents have down days but seeing the happiness on their faces when we take them on days out is brilliant.”
Empathy is ‘really important’
She admitted “it is not always easy” working in a care home and it helps to “have a thick skin”.
“Empathy is, of course, really important as well,” she added.
Realise trainer Beverley Colla predicts a successful career for Ruby.
“Ruby is loving her role and the residents love her,” said Beverley. “She shows kindness and compassion towards her residents and works so well with her colleagues and manager. They are constantly praising her abilities and she is learning so much.”
Realise is one of the country’s leading training providers and an expert in health and social care qualifications.
The provider partners with care organisations to help people thrive and offers apprenticeships at various levels, including Adult Care Work Level 2 and Leader in Adult Care Level 3.
For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com