I would highly recommend undertaking an apprenticeship.  You might surprise yourself in terms of what you can achieve.  

A 12-MONTH POST TURNS INTO A CAREER

I started working in Adult Social Care in 2009 as a Home Support Worker. I had just moved to the area and needed a job to pay my rent. The plan was only to be in the post for 12 months while I established myself in the area and was able to then find my feet elsewhere. That said, it turned out I was pretty good and decided to see where things would go. In 2013, I was promoted to a Lead Support Worker with more supervisory responsibilities. In 2015, I secured my first management position with the service. In 2019, I was promoted to Team Manager which is the current position I hold.  

I decided I wanted to complete a level 6 qualification, having already completed a foundation degree in health and social care and a level 5 in leadership. It was the natural progression and would underpin the theoretical knowledge needed to successfully establish myself as a Team Manager within the service and allow me to expand my experience within he role.  

The Chartered Manager Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship was signposted to me by my mentor at the time as something that could help. I did some research and gathered information which I then pitched to my line manager in order to gain their approval. I was lucky enough to be awarded a place and, as they say, the rest is history.  

PROJECT IMPACT

The project saw my service, REaCH (Reablement and Community Home Support), introduce a new case management system which would change the way we operate and deliver care in the community. Processes, documentation and ways of working that had not altered in a number of years required changing, which also meant a big change for staff. 

The apprenticeship allowed me to manage my part of the project with confidence and quality, thanks to the skills and knowledge learnt through the course. Both the academic and peer learning meant I was able to introduce new tools into my team and explain their purpose and how they would make things easier. Without the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have been able to manage the project as effectively.  

As the project went into phase three (wider application across the service) a new job role was created to help the ongoing support needs. Staff were trained to use new smart phones, tablets and learn new IT skills. The biggest outcome was that the work done around governance, auditing and processes contributed to the service regaining a ‘good’ rating with CQC.  

PERSONAL IMPACT

The impact on me has been massive. In myself, I feel more confident, knowledgeable and aware of what tools are out there to support and enhance my skills and that of my team. My team trust me and are confident in my abilities. 

I have been told throughout the course by peers and colleagues that I have grown as a manager and that my approach to management has changed. I’ve learnt to adjust my techniques and take on new management styles that best suit me and my team. 

Completion of the course and the skills and knowledge learnt has also increased my confidence to consider more senior role in areas I previously thought were out of my reach. 

Find out more about our Chartered Manager Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship.