Vanessa was invited to Care Training’s centre to come along to a taster week to find out more about working in health and social care. Vanessa wanted to ensure she had a firm understanding of what was involved.

Vanessa was successful in securing a work position with Derbyshire Haven Care Home in Wollaton. She started working four days a week in June 2009, and started the Apprenticeship once she was settled.

Vanessa settled in quite quickly into the 12 service user care home, embarking on activities such as personal care and contributing to the record keeping. One major aspect of Vanessa’s job role is to ensure the service users are kept interested. This includes activities such as playing cards or taking them out to nearby Wollaton Park. Vanessa felt the care home was “exactly how I expected and it was easy to get on with everyone.”

Vanessa completes the NVQ element of the Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care at the care home. The assessor comes to visit Vanessa in the workplace to observe her in the role, making sure she meets the competencies required for the NVQ.

Vanessa completes the Technical Certificate part of the Apprenticeship by spending one day a week at Care Training. This gives her the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of the health and social care environment, such as rules and regulations of the care environment. She works closely with the Health & Social Care Tutors who she says “are always helpful”.

Research from the National Apprenticeship Service has shown that Apprenticeships lead to long-term employment. The employee feels the employer has invested time in their development. Vanessa is an example of this and plans to continue her employment with Derbyshire Haven. Of her future Vanessa says, “I am taking it as it comes; I am currently enjoying where I am at the moment.”

Of all the training Vanessa has received she says, “I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunity.”

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