Apprenticeship success for young care home workers

Young care workers have celebrated the successful completion of a yearlong apprenticeship scheme which has given them the tools to pursue a career in care.

Abbeyfield Kent Society launched the Care Academy in 2013 after the charity decided to get more people excited about working in social care. The charity runs the in-house programme to provide development opportunities to both current staff and students studying health and social care subjects.

One participant, Kayleigh Baber, is keen to continue learning about social care to pursue a long career in the sector.

Discussing her decision to join the apprenticeship scheme, she said: “It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made.

“Joining the Academy was really daunting at first as I was only 16 but I received so much support from the Society, I’d say as a result of that, I’ve changed as a person and really grown up. I’m hoping to complete my level 3 NVQ and eventually become a lead night carer.”

Cath Whitney, senior training consultant at the Society, said: “All of the apprentices worked so hard throughout the programme, they are determined and passionate about their future careers and the whole Society is very proud of them.”

Two more students have now become carers for the Society with Ayla Beaney working towards her level 3 NVQ and Rebecca Bateman working as a carer with the long term goal of becoming a paramedic.

Ayla said: “The apprenticeship was a great way to gain experience whilst earning an NVQ. Currently I’m working on my safe handling of medication training and then I will work towards my level 3 NVQ, I’m hoping to become a senior carer.” Abbeyfield Kent Society provides residential care for over 500 older people in the South East of England, delivering specialist dementia, Parkinson’s and care for people with physical frailty.