Care sector employers leading the way on National Apprenticeship Week

Health and social care employers have continued to embrace development opportunities this National Apprenticeship Week, having been the most popular sectors for apprenticeships in 2014.

Fittingly, Ulysses House residential home, in Edgbaston, has marked the week being presented with an award for Health and Social Care Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, having taken on eight apprentices since 2010 who have been trained in specialist support for adults with learning disabilities.

Receiving the award from Sandwell College, registered manager Dan Eccles commented, “Throughout my time as a Deputy Manager at Ulysses, we have worked closely with Sandwell College to develop the next generation of support staff. Our journey together has been an enjoyable one and we have enjoyed very close ties with the college and the staff there. The team at Ulysses is very proud to be recognised for the work we have done and to be affiliated with such a great team at Sandwell College.”

The home’s first apprentice was Kavita Dheer, who remains in long-term employment with care provider Precious Homes Ltd.

Reflecting on the process, Kavita says, “Since I started my apprenticeship at Ulysses House in 2005, I have continued to be offered development and training opportunities and was promoted to Acting Senior Support Worker in 2013. The partnership with Sandwell College enables apprentices like me to fulfil their career aspirations. The award recognises the fact that the management at Ulysses House are extremely supportive and continually invest in their staff.”

Career development

Another care home working closely with local colleges to make the most of apprenticeship opportunities is , whose owners are using this week to urge more school leavers to consider a career in the care profession.

Anne Kasey commented: “The Society has recognised an opportunity for in house career development which has had an immensely positive effect on the team’s job satisfaction. It’s Royal Alfred and the care industry’s job as a whole to ensure we’re providing school and university leavers with the opportunity for not just jobs but long term careers in care. Offering NVQs, diplomas and further training is something we should all strive to do to continually improve the care we offer to our residents.”

The Society believe that offering further education within the care sector is crucial if campaigners are to achieve enhanced salary rates and other benefits, as well as considering a professional’s initial training to have long-term importance if that employee then takes up a challenging position with limited opportunities for in-house training.

Lyndsey Neall, a care assistant at the Society, is currently studying for her level 3 in BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care. She says: “I would more than recommend apprenticeship schemes to anyone looking into a career in the care industry. It’s inspiring to see the Royal Alfred team at work and what a rewarding job this can be. The residents and staff are a joy to be with on a daily basis and I feel lucky to work with the society.”

According to the Skills Funding Agency, there has never been a better time to employ an apprentice or become one, with an estimated 25,000 vacancies available online at any one time.