ACCESS Training Centres (ATC) is a leading North East provider for health and social care apprenticeships.
Over the past five years, we have seen a marked increase in the number of people pursuing a career in this sector, for many people health and social care (HSC) is a vocation and their interest stems from a genuine desire to help people.
An apprenticeship in health and social care is available to anyone 16 and over, and it is possible to study from a level 2-4 NVQ qualification. Placements are available through ATC in nursing and care homes, the NHS, charities, opticians, GP surgeries, local government and many more.
We have tracked the progress of one of our apprentices that started during the 500 in 100 campaign, and their employer.
Leanne Graham, health and social care apprentice and rehabilitation assistant at Whickham Villa LLP, said: “I started an apprenticeship at a care facility, Whickham Villa LLP, through ATC. I was really keen to achieve my NVQ Level 2 qualification in health and social care but I also wanted to gain work experience. I would definitely recommend apprenticeships. I have found that by doing the work and being hands on I actually learn more easily as it brings what I learn in textbooks to life.
“I am a rehabilitation assistant and care for people with brain injuries. My tutor from ATC provides training and I am observed while I work to complete units in the course. I upload my assignments and written work to an online E-portfolio. It’s great because my training has been detailed but also really enjoyable. I have received support throughout the course from my tutor and my employer.
“Caring for people while I train has helped me grow in confidence. I love what I do. Once I have completed my NVQ Level 2 I am looking forward to moving on to my Level 3 and to hopefully become a nurse in the future.”
Amanda Stewart, training co-ordinator at Whickham Villa LLP, said: “I am a keen advocate of the apprenticeship scheme. ATC provided us with our first apprentice last year which proved to be a great success so, when the opportunity arose this year when ATC were involved in the 500 in 100 campaign, we were more than happy to provide a vacancy for another apprentice, Leanne Graham, who joined us in March.
“Because we had such a great experience of the apprenticeship scheme the first time round we were a little unsure whether our next apprentice could live up to the same standard, but from the moment that I met Leanne she was so natural and comfortable with our service users that we knew she was going to be the perfect addition to our team.
“Leanne is a rehabilitation assistant at Chase Park Rehabilitation Centre, which is a facility providing care and ‘Step Forward’ rehabilitation services to people with brain and spinal injuries, as well as neurological conditions.
“People may assume that health and social care apprenticeships are only available in care homes for the elderly, so I was keen to highlight that there are many more possible options for a health and social care apprentice.
“Leanne, who is 17 years old, has especially brought comfort and been able to connect very well with younger service users, who appreciate care from someone their own age that they can chat to and bond with.
“Our service users are aged 16-80 and Leanne has been able to adapt very well to different people and their needs. Leanne works 3.5 days a week, assessments for her NVQ take place at work and she fits studying and assignments into her spare time.
“I firmly believe that apprenticeships are an ideal way to train for a career in health and social care. As an employer I want to ensure that the next generation of carers provide a high standard. Training under the apprenticeship scheme is flexible and fits in around our operational requirements. Leanne has the benefit of the support from her tutor at ATC who is on hand throughout the apprenticeship, but also her colleagues here at work.
“The apprenticeship will provide Leanne with qualifications she might not otherwise have achieved, which will enable her to progress on to the Access to Nursing course that she is interested in taking in the future.”
For more information about apprenticeships and free training contact ATC on 0191 477 0840 or email atcsales@accesstcl.co.uk You can also log on to www.accesstcl.co.uk and follow us at twitter.com/accesstcl
