Young Oldbury senior care assistant shares his apprenticeship journey to inspire others in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week

To mark the 18th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from 10-16 February, Finn, aged 20, has been showcasing and proving to others that apprenticeships are a great alternative to the traditional college routes available for young people wishing to pursue a career in the social care sector. 

Prior to working in care, Finn supported his elderly relatives with their care and support needs. Finn had also completed his Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Health and Social Care at secondary school achieving distinctions.

Finn originally started working in care as a stepping stone in his career journey to reach his goal and aspiration of becoming a Paramedic with the West Midland’s Ambulance Service. However, from his very first shift at HC-One’s Dingle Meadow working as a Care Assistant, Finn fell in love with working in social care and realised he had found his passion and calling in his career.

Finn enrolled on his Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to two A-Level passes and offers more in-depth training and knowledge, whilst working as a Care Assistant in June 2022. Finn completed his apprenticeship in December 2023, achieving a distinction. Finn’s apprenticeship helped him learn how to manage a team of colleagues, different leadership styles and how to ensure kind person-centred care is being delivered to Dingle Meadow residents.

During his apprenticeship Finn gained many skills which have helped him to ensure quality and compliance are being supported and maintained at Dingle Meadow. Finn’s apprenticeship also increased his confidence, which encouraged Finn to complete additional training with HC-One to become an Oral Health Ambassador, Fire Safety Coordinator and Infection Prevention and Control Lead.

Finn’s commitment to his apprenticeship and developing his skills and knowledge led him to being promoted to Senior Care Assistant. Demonstrating the learning, development and progression opportunities available through completing an apprenticeship, Finn is continuing his learning journey and has now enrolled onto his Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Apprenticeship. This has included Finn shadowing Dingle Meadow’s Home Manager to learn and understand the role and responsibilities of directing and leading a team of individuals towards delivering the highest standard of care. 

Finn Carragher, Senior Care Assistant at Dingle Meadow Care Home, commented: “My apprenticeship experience has been fantastic. I have gained numerous skills which has helped me with my continuing professional development into my senior role.

“I have been supported and encouraged throughout my apprenticeship journey by my Manager and Lifetime Training Learning Coach. During my progress reviews I was able to plan and manage my time effectively to get the most out of my apprenticeship. 

“A standout moment for me during my apprenticeship journey has been receiving positive feedback and appreciation from others including being awarded with a Kindness in Care Award.

“After I completed my Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship, I was proud to be nominated for the ‘Rising Star’ category at the National Apprenticeship Awards.” 

HC-One apprenticeships are offered to both newly recruited and existing colleagues to help develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence. HC-One currently offers over 25 different apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 through to Degree and Masters level programmes and currently has over 590 colleagues undertaking an apprenticeship in England.

In 2024, HC-One saw 200 colleagues successfully complete their apprenticeship programmes in England, 52 of which achieved distinctions and are currently supporting over 1,000 colleagues across England, Scotland and Wales to complete an apprenticeship and qualification programme within the next two to three years.

Samera Musa, Home Manager at Dingle Meadow Care Home, stated: “It is important that our colleagues feel valued, and they are provided with the right support and opportunities to learn and progress in their careers. As a leader at HC-One, I know how important apprenticeships are in supporting our colleagues to improve and grow their careers in care.

“I am extremely proud of the commitment Finn gives to his learning as well as all our other colleagues currently completing an apprenticeship at Dingle Meadow.” 

For more information on career opportunities at HC-One homes in your area visit apply.hc-one.co.uk.