Ellie is progressing with an intermediate level apprenticeship in health and social care with Gold Hill Care and Skills For Care
Ellie left school at 16 to work as a sales assistant. Knowing that she wanted a more rewarding job, she drew on her experience of caring for a family friend with dementia. Afterwards, she found a job in the care industry, which needs up to one million extra workers by 2025.
Ellie was taken on as an apprentice at Gold Hill Care and, for her, the chance to earn and gain qualifications while working was the perfect combination. She had also never worked in care before, so her intermediate level apprenticeship in health and social care was the perfect way to get a start in the sector. As part of her apprenticeship, Ellie has undertaken training in health and safety, first aid and caring for sufferers of dementia.
Ellie said: “I’m surprised at how quickly I’ve come to love the job. I’m responsible for the personal care of residents, which covers everything from helping someone get dressed to taking care of their nutrition. The best thing about working in social care is knowing that you are helping other people, and that every day is different. Sometimes it’s emotionally challenging, but you have the support around you to help with this.”
“I would recommend an apprenticeship as there is a lot to learn, and getting qualifications means that it’s not a dead end job; there are opportunities to progress. I want to stay in care and work my way up; to go as far as I can go!”
