News story – National Care Group

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2023 | Ellie's story

Thursday, 2nd February 2023

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we spoke to two National Care Group colleagues who are currently completing an apprenticeship through the National Care Group Academy.

Meet Ellie, Apprentice Support Worker, age 17

Ellie joined the NCG Academy straight from school at age 16 in an apprentice support worker role at NCG's Steps Rotherham service. Steps provide care and support for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and autism across a collection of five houses.

Now in her second year of the scheme, Ellie continues to study online with her tutor whenever she can. She's completing coursework towards her NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care which she's due to finish in November 2023, whilst also working full-time at Steps. Ellie said "I really really enjoy it and I've learned such a lot."

Ellie's placement has involved her supporting people across each of Steps five properties, gaining experience in every aspect of support and across all types of personal needs. Stacey, the Team Leader of one of the houses, returned from maternity leave and noticed what an impact having Ellie helping out had been while she was away. Since she's been back, she has really embraced having Ellie as an apprentice and Ellie is now a full-time member of her team meaning her tasks now mainly focus on the care and support of the four people Stacey supports.

Ellie's favourite elements of the job are "organising activities and days out for the people I support and generally helping them with all their personal care needs." Ellie also mentioned that "I get on well with everyone at Steps and also love being part of a great team."

When asked if she'd recommend the opportunity to others, she said; "I was nervous to begin with as it was all so new. But a year in and I am really enjoying it, my confidence has really grown. So I would say to just go for it if you are interested in the role. It is so varied and rewarding. Yes, it's a big step but I am so proud of everything I have achieved. It's a job I want to make a career for life of and my goal is to progress and work my way up to be a team leader."

Annette Hand, one of the registered managers at Steps said; "Ellie spent time at each of our five services which has given her such great experience. She could take her career in any direction of social care now, its such a good starting point. For Steps to have the opportunity to welcome an apprentice to the services is just brilliant. Personally, I love to bring brand new people into the sector, and to hear Ellie say she wants to continue is wonderful. It's rewarding to me as a manager to have been part of the early days of someone's career."