Why Apprenticeships?
At Cheshire Care Services Ltd, we provide supported living services for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, delivering personalised, round-the-clock care. Our dedicated team of 40 support workers operates across eight properties in and around Sandwell, ensuring individuals receive the support they need to live independently.
Recognising the importance of developing our workforce, we invest in apprenticeships as a means to upskill our team and nurture future leaders. Currently, our Workforce Development Manager and Support Services Co-Ordinator are both completing Level 5 apprenticeships in Leader in Adult Care – Residential Manager and Leader in Adult Care – Domiciliary Care. Additionally, our support staff undertake Level 2 apprenticeships, while team leaders complete Level 3 training as required.
Apprenticeships provide structured, real-world learning opportunities that complement our in-house training, ensuring our team has the knowledge and confidence to deliver high-quality care.
Benefitting the Business
The impact of apprenticeships on our business has been significant. The structured training enables our staff to apply new skills immediately, improving their ability to handle everyday challenges with confidence. Our two senior apprentices have developed a stronger grasp of leadership responsibilities, becoming more self-assured in decision-making and contributing more effectively to key areas such as on-call management, client reviews, and workforce planning.
The skills they have gained have also encouraged a proactive approach to questioning and problem-solving. They now feel confident challenging directives and decisions from senior management when necessary, ensuring that all actions align with best practices and client needs. This level of professional growth strengthens our service delivery and enhances staff engagement, ultimately benefiting both our team and the individuals we support.
The Connect2Care Difference
Our experience with Connect2Care has been extremely positive. We have been impressed with the level of support and communication throughout the apprenticeship journey.
Our team members have built a strong rapport with their trainer, making the learning process smooth and engaging. As an organisation, we appreciate the structured approach to progress reviews, timely updates and the professional manner in which assessments are carried out. These elements ensure that apprentices stay on track and receive the necessary support to succeed.
Given the success of our apprenticeship programmes so far, we would not hesitate to continue working Connect2Care for future training needs. Developing our staff through apprenticeships has strengthened our business, empowered our workforce and ultimately enhanced the quality of care we provide.