Connect2AdultCare partners with Hallmark to recruit, train and develop the next generation of care professionals

Connect2AdultCare is partnering with Hallmark Luxury Care Homes to recruit, train and develop the next generation of adult social care talent through a new apprenticeship programme offering up to 32 career opportunities.

Launching this September, the programme will give young people aged 18 to 21 the opportunity to start a meaningful career in care, earn a £23,000 salary and gain nationally recognised qualifications while working in Hallmark’s luxury care homes.

But this is about more than filling vacancies.

As Hallmark’s training and workforce development partner, Connect2AdultCare is supporting the whole journey – from attracting and recruiting people with the right potential and values, through to training, development and long-term career progression.

Connect2AdultCare’s approach looks beyond the traditional CV, helping identify candidates with the qualities that matter in care, including empathy, communication, teamwork and resilience.

Once recruited, apprentices will be supported by sector-experienced trainers, combining practical workplace development with structured apprenticeship learning.

With progression opportunities through Levels 2, 3 and 5, the programme will help Hallmark build a sustainable pipeline of talent while giving young people a clear route from their first role in care to future leadership opportunities.

Kirsty Simmonds, National Sector Lead for Connect2AdultCare, said:

“Adult social care offers young people the opportunity to build a rewarding, progressive career and make a real difference to people’s lives. That’s what makes this partnership with Hallmark so exciting.

“We’re bringing recruitment, training and development together to identify young people with the right values and potential, then give them the skills, confidence and support to build successful careers in care.

“This is about creating clear pathways from the very start – attracting new talent, investing in their development and giving people the opportunity to grow into the care professionals and leaders of the future.”

Claire Collen, Head of People Development & Projects at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, said:

“Adult social care offers an incredibly rewarding career, but many young people don’t realise the breadth of opportunities available. Our new apprenticeship programme has been designed to give college leavers the confidence, skills and support to begin a meaningful career while earning a competitive salary, gaining recognised qualifications and developing valuable hands-on experience.

“At Hallmark, we’re passionate about investing in people from the very start of their careers. By combining paid employment with funded qualifications, coaching, mentoring and leadership development, we’re not only creating opportunities for young people today but also helping to develop the skilled and compassionate care professionals the sector will need in the future.”

The partnership demonstrates how care providers can take a more joined-up approach to workforce challenges by bringing recruitment, training and development together as one solution.

Applications for Hallmark’s 32 apprenticeship opportunities are now open, with successful candidates beginning the programme at the end of September.