The apprenticeship route offered a dynamic and practical way for me to develop the skills and knowledge to succeed.
Why an apprenticeship?
My decision to work in adult care was more than a career choice. It was a lifestyle choice and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for adults in various stages of care. The apprenticeship route offered a dynamic and practical way for me to develop the skills and knowledge to succeed while actively contributing to the wellbeing of those in my care. It was an opportunity to challenge myself to work to the best of my ability. In my role as Activity Co-ordinator, I recognise the importance of creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all residents in The Order of St John Care Trust Windsor Street Care Centre, an 81-bedroom home with residential, dementia and nursing households. The Level 2 Adult Care Worker Activities Standard apprenticeship enabled me to learn from experienced trainers and also motivated me to improve my English and communication skills as my first language is Polish.
Benefitting your business
Since completing my apprenticeship, I have taken on the roles of dementia champion, end-of-life champion and community champion and have gained valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities that I use in my everyday life and at work. Skills such as respecting personal autonomy have improved my ability to recognise a range of opinions and promote an environment of understanding, trust, and empathy. Respecting one another and putting one’s own wellbeing first are crucial in the field of adult care to establish genuine connections.
I’ve organised dementia training sessions for residents and an intergenerational project with the Gloucestershire Academy of Music and local scouts. It was heartwarming to witness the magic that happens when different generations connect through the power of music.
As part of my end-of-life champion role, I introduced end-of-life boxes equipped with aromatherapy diffusers, informational leaflets from the local council and comfort cushions. I’ve successfully organised a garden club for both residents and staff, and this was recognised in the Trust in Bloom competition as the Best Overall Grounds in our South Division. Witnessing the residents actively participate in this horticultural experience was truly amazing. Even those who are nursing in bed had plants growing in their bedrooms. I am optimistic that such initiatives will contribute to achieving an outstanding rating from CQC.
I also hold a monthly Bereavement Café and an End-of-Life Café at our local community hub where people can come together to talk, share, and support one another during difficult times. Recently, a new resident, who was born in Germany, joined our community. Recognising the importance of her cultural background, she expressed her fondness for celebrating Advent with an Advent wreath calendar. I created one for her and this small gesture not only brought joy to her face but also fostered a sense of belonging and connection. It reminded me of the power of cultural sensitivity in caregiving and how the knowledge gained through my apprenticeship truly made a positive impact on someone’s life.
The C2C training difference
I have received incredible support during my apprenticeship training from my C2C Vocational Trainer Anna Williams. I faced some challenging moments, especially during the transition from one care home to another, but Anna always believed in me and tailored my professional development discussions to suit my needs. She helped me achieve my maths and English qualifications too. The overall experience with C2C was outstanding. The organisation’s approach to exams, mocks and the final assessment was well organised, and I now plan to commence an apprenticeship in Level 3 Adult Care. My goals for the next two years centre on lifelong learning, career advancement and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the people under my care.