Degree Level Achievers

In hot pursuit of National Carers Week, on Tuesday 19th June we hosted a certificate presentation to celebrate the recent achievements of our degree level achievers who are the first cohort to have successfully completed their City & Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care at Skills Group.

The cohort of 16 Industry professionals started out their qualification with Skills Group in September 2016 and have continued to work in their existing roles throughout the duration of their training.

“I wanted to complete the course to prove to myself and set an example to my staff” said Caroline Murphy, the Director of Clinical Services at Water Park House, of the 18 month apprenticeship programme that she decided to undertake to enhance her knowledge and build on her professional experience.

Sonia Hall, Manager and Owner of Oaklands Residential Care Home, spoke of her Trainer “..her knowledge is outstanding, she would go far and beyond to provide any support that I needed” and Peter Paduch, Manager of Pinehurst Residential Home, added that “All of my trainers and assessors demonstrated a high level of understanding to the specific modern care home practices”.

Part of the programme included 20% off the job training, where Ewa Kalend, Care Manager at Greenacres Care Centre, commented “I was very impressed with the classes where we could discuss our practices with other managers, this was invaluable”.

Upon completion of the programme, Donna Fitzgerald updated us with some fantastic news “I have been successful in securing a new role as manager of a 42 bed care home”.

Congratulations to you all.

2018 Achievers:
Benjamin Andrew
Sarah Doherty
Grant Fullerton
Donna Fitzgerald
Danielle Genocky
Adrian Green
Gillian Hull
Sonia Hall
Ewa Kalend
Terri Lawes
Caroline Murphy
Michelle O’Sullivan
Peter Paduch
Suzanne Penney
Maxine Rowberry
Cheryl Tregillis

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School