Investing in Excellence: Apprenticeships
At Hartford Care, our dedication to creating caring communities in our care homes goes beyond the ordinary. It is about supporting our employees’ passions and providing them with the skills they need for good self-development. We value our staff and strive to create a positive work environment. Choosing Hartford Care means going on a journey of personal development, enjoyment, and professional fulfilment.
The benefits of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow people (who meet entry requirements) to combine full-time education with real job training. They can gain skills and experience whilst developing them at varying rates depending on apprenticeship levels. Another benefit to apprenticeships is that you earn while you learn. Apprenticeships are a form of higher education and on completion, you can receive a Higher National Certificate (HNC), which are recognised by both universities and businesses.
Testimonial from Tabitha Donovan, Malden House Home Manager
“Shamilla is one of our brilliant Senior team members, and she is currently doing her KIT days. After passing Level 4, Shamilla’s support towards our residents with high care needs has improved incredibly. She also recognises the importance of ensuring documentation is up to date for their safety.
“During the qualification, Shamilla developed her leadership skills and promotes a positive working environment and a balanced workload. Shamilla is always friendly to our visitors; her confidence has developed and she is more assured in her knowledge.”
For Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to Gemma Melhuish (People and Culture Director), and Lucia Fernandez (Learning and Development Manager). They discussed the opportunities and benefits of completing an apprenticeship with Hartford Care.
During the week, we shared the success story of Aleksandra Kraus, our Deputy Manager at Highfield Nursing Home. The course Alek completed within the Hartford Care Apprenticeship program was Assistant Practitioner in Health Care Level 5. She received her apprenticeship qualification in June of 2023, with a distinction grade. Watch her story at facebook.com/351818424331246. We also explored the benefits of apprenticeships during talks with our apprenticeship provider at our Central Support office.
In 2023, 31 of our employees embarked on apprenticeships. This demonstrates our commitment to investing in our team and helps improve the service we deliver. Apprenticeships also enable our senior employees to encourage their junior colleagues to actively engage in Hartford Care’s evolution, and pursue advancement and responsibility.
List of Apprentices who passed their apprenticeships last year
Ruby Pratt: Hartford Court – Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3
Roxanne Hance: Malden House – Adult Care Worker Level 2
Erzsebet Gal: Stokeleigh – Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3
Agnieszka Zielinska: Highfield – Adult Care Worker Level 2
Stela Kravciuk: Highfield – Production Chef Level 2
Yangchen Dawa: Stokeleigh – Adult Care Worker Level 2
Shamilla Bowles: Malden House – Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4
Aleksandra Kraus: The Elms – Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare Level 5
If you are interested in finding apprenticeship possibilities and benefits in health and social care offered at Hartford Care, please contact Lucia Fernandez at human.resources@hartfordcare.co.uk.