Four Health & Social Care apprentices have achieved the highest grade on their assessments, through Skills Group.
Russell Carter, Brandon Easton, Valeriya Alekseenko-Simpson and Jade Blight all achieved Distinctions in their apprenticeship end point assessments. The new assessment process is part of the Apprenticeship Standard that is being rolled out nationally across all industries, and is designed to test the key skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to succeed in a chosen profession.
Annette Davey, Health & Social Care Team Leader at Skills Group, comments, “As the Apprenticeship Standard is still new, there are few examples for the learners to follow so they have done exceptionally well to achieve Distinctions. The result is a credit to their hard work, their employers for supporting them throughout the qualification, and to our staff’s dedicated teaching.”
Russell, who achieved his Adult Care Level 2 Distinction qualification while working at Pinehurst Residential Home in Dawlish, comments, “I used to be a journalist so moving to Care was a huge career change, but the team here and at Skills Group have been very supportive. Being a naturally caring person has helped so I couldn’t wish for a better area of work to give something back. The qualification, which I worked very hard at to achieve and I’m immensely proud of, has opened doors to progress into a more senior role in Care and I look forward to continuing my career at Pinehurst”. Stacey La’Moon from Pinehurst says, “Russell’s qualification has allowed him to develop vital skills, experience and knowledge. A person-centred approach is very important in this industry and Russell is a natural at this and care work in general. He goes above and beyond in his role and it is a joy to work alongside him. Well done for the brilliant achievement”.
Brandon achieved a Distinction for the Adult Care Level 2 qualification during his apprenticeship at Waters Park House – a brain injury centre in Plymouth. Brandon comments, “I’m over the moon about my Distinction result; I put a great deal of work into the qualification so I am proud that it has paid off. I am now continuing to work at Waters Park House and would like to progress onto my Level 3 Team Leading apprenticeship which will allow me to take on more responsibility.” Rachel Willingham from Waters Park House says, “Brandon is a pleasure to work with and the Distinction is a credit to his dedication to learning. He is a role model for other apprentices to follow”.
Valeriya achieved a Distinction for Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker at Beyond Limits in Plymouth. Valeriya says, “I am proud of my result. The new Standard and end point assessment is a better way of assessing learners, as before there was only pass and fail. Now that there is a separation between pass and distinction, it pushes you to do the best you can which is surely beneficial for the industry. I would like to thank the team at Beyond Limits for all its support”. Maxine Denham from Beyond Limits comments, “We are very proud of Valeriya and all of her hard work. The Distinction recognises Valeriya’s commitment to going above and beyond – she is a fantastic ambassador for the Care industry”.
Jade Blight achieved her Adult Care Level 2 qualification at Three Corners in Brixham. Jade comments, “I am so proud to achieve a Distinction for my qualification as it will open up more opportunities in the future. I had a great level of support from my Assessor and am happy with what I accomplished with Skills Group.”
Annette continues, “An apprenticeship is a great way to launch a career in Care. Apprenitceships provide learners with on-the-job training so they experience every aspect of life in the industry – including all the unexpected moments and how to deal with them which you wouldn’t encounter in college. Training is then reinforced through spending time with us in our state-of-the-art facilities with industry experts. Well done to Russell, Brandon, Valeriya and Jade for this fantastic achievement!”
Pictured (Left to Right): Stacey La’Moon from Pinehurst with Russell Carter; Brandon Easton with Rachel Willingham from Waters Park House; Rebecca Chadwick, Valeriya Alekseenko-Simpson, Doreen Kelly and Maxine Denham from Beyond Limits; and Jade Blight from Three Corners.