Ever thought about a career in Health and Social Care? It is a highly rewarding occupation, with excellent job satisfaction to be gained from helping people in need.
What’s more you would be in good company. Health and Social Care comprises the largest occupational group - 10.3 per cent - of Shropshire’s workforce, meaning that recruitment opportunities are both wide and varied.
If you’re interested in working and training in Health and Social Care there are various routes to qualification available, with an apprenticeship being one of the most popular.
This allows 16-24 year olds to work towards a National Vocational Qualification and gain new skills by working and studying at the same time. Because of their flexibility, NVQs are suitable for many different roles within care environments and can be adapted to suit both experienced carers and those on work-based training.
After completing your NVQ you will have a qualification that not only proves your level of competence, but is also widely recognised by employers, and is a real advantage when you are thinking of promotion or applying for other jobs.
Your NVQ qualification can lead to opportunities within a number of different environments such as residential homes, nursing homes, hospices, day care centres and homes for people with learning disabilities.
Laura’s Story
Laura McNally (pictured), a 22-year-old apprentice from Ludlow, recently won Care Learner of the Year at the 2007 Shropshire Care Awards.
The event was organised by Shropshire Partners in Care to recognise and celebrate hard work, individual success and the overall achievement of people working in the independent care sector in Shropshire.
Laura, who is a senior care assistant at Hendra House Residential Home in Ludlow, is continuing an apprenticeship programme facilitated by Shropshire County Council’s County Training.
She said: “Working in the care sector can be a demanding and challenging career, but it can also be very rewarding and receiving this award recognises the work that all care staff do, and that our efforts are valued and appreciated by others.”
Owner of Hendra House, Vince Burmingham added: “We are really proud of Laura. She has developed into an effective and efficient member of the Hendra Team, she really cares about the residents and is a model employee.
“Caring is a very worthwhile career. The dedication and professionalism of all care staff both locally and nationally make a significant difference to the quality of life enjoyed by those we care for, especially those with increasing dependency levels.”
Hendra House was also voted as Best Care Home in Shropshire for Customer Satisfaction.
Vince added: “Our investment in staff training and development, especially that facilitated by County Training, has been a major factor in winning both awards and more importantly is reflected in the quality of service delivered to our residents.”
If you, or someone you know, would like to work within Health and Social Care, government funding is currently available for training.
County Training, in partnership with Ludlow College, who form Shropshire’s Centre of Vocational Excellence in Health and Social Care, are working with care homes throughout the county to promote recruitment within the industry.
If you would like to join the apprenticeship programme (fully funded by the LSC), of if you are a care employer seeking to train your staff, contact Gill Thelwell for information on funded training on 01743 253843 or Gill.Thelwell@shropshire-cc.gov.uk
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