Barbara met Vanessa Pickup, an 18 year old who was interested in pursuing a career in care. Barbara and Vanessa bonded straight away and Barbara acknowledged the benefits of taking Vanessa on as an apprentice within the care home. Barbara was looking for a member of staff that didn’t have preconceptions or expectations of working in care. She recognised that taking on an employee through the Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care would provide the solution. So much so, that Barbara couldn’t identify any pitfalls in investing in a young member of staff.

Barbara prefers having someone with very little experience in care, as this means she can train Vanessa to “the high standards of Derbyshire Haven, without any bad habits causing an influence”.

Vanessa’s confidence is continuously growing throughout the completion of her Apprenticeship. Barbara saw an increase in confidence after the first week alone. Over the next few months, Vanessa will complete four days a week in the care home and one day a week at Care Training. This allows Vanessa to work towards the Technical Certificate element of the Apprenticeship with guidance from an experienced tutor at Care Training. Vanessa’s time in the workplace is spent developing her skills and experience and building evidence for the NVQ.

Barbara sees Vanessa becoming a “well trained, valued member of staff”.

Vanessa provides a level of service that is equivalent to the other members of staff. Barbara feels “all the other staff members enjoy working with Vanessa. We are a close-knit, family orientated home; we always look after and support each other. Vanessa has settled in really well”.

Of the Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care Barbara says, “It has certainly been a good idea. I would recommend it. Vanessa comes across as a natural talent at care work.”

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