Learner Case Study

The great thing about learning with tend, is that you can build your skills over time, and progress naturally as your career goes from strength to strength.

Just ask Gina Davies, Deputy Care Manager at Home Instead Brighton, Hove & Shoreham. She started on her current career trajectory in Adult Care later in life. However, thanks to a supportive employer, and our flexible Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship, Gina has never looked back. She has built a meaningful and fulfilling career tending to the needs of adult patients, and continues to evolve professionally and personally.

tend sat down for a catch up with Gina. Read on to discover what brought her here, her apprenticeship experience so far, and her hopes for the future.

tend: Hi Gina! Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

GD: My name’s Gina Davies, and I am the Deputy Care Manager at Home Instead Brighton and Hove.

tend: What initially inspired you to work within the care sector?

GD: I hadn’t ever done care work before, but saw the plight of carers on the news during the pandemic, and decided to give it a go.

tend: Oh, wow! So, it’s a fairly recent development.

GD: Yes. Until then, I had only had experience in caring for family. My job experience ranged from sales, to having two children’s shops in Florida, to running a dog rescue. I have worked for Home Instead in Brighton since 2021 as a Care Professional in the field. I became Senior Care Professional in 2022, and then Field Care Supervisor in 2023. In 2025, I was promoted to Deputy Care Manager. I finally found my niche in life and what I really enjoy doing.

tend: That’s amazing! We’re so glad you came to learn with us. What led to you enrolling onto the

Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker with tend?

GD: When I started my role as Field Care Supervisor, my Learning and Development Manager suggested I do the Level 3 in Health and Social Care. So, I did. I completed the programme in January 2025. I was subsequently promoted to Deputy Care Manager, so the natural progression for me was to complete a Level 5, for which I’m currently going through the enrolment process.

tend: Incredible! Best of luck with your new programme! What advice you would offer to anyone thinking about enrolling?

GD: My advice is to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t understand something. The terminology can be a bit daunting at first. I had no idea what ‘off-the-job’ or ‘gateways’ were; but it does all make sense eventually.

tend: Many apprentices feel that way at first! But, you’re right. Our Development Coaches break it all down for our learners, and adapt programmes to the needs of the learner and their employer. What was your experience like with your Development Coach?

GD: I felt lucky to have a very good Development Coach. I’m thankful as well, because I just found out I have her again for my Level 5! She explained everything well and gave timely feedback.

tend: That’s lovely to hear! So, what does the future look like for you?

GD I’m just going to keep going with my studies and see where it leads me. My Level 3 programme led to a promotion, so you never know! I’m excited to see where my Level 5 will take me.

Gina’s story highlights the power of perpetual learning. Her natural progression from a Level 3 course, to promotion, then a Level 5 programme, is exactly what our Career Builders pathway is all about. It’s a roadmap to maximum success for both the learner, their employer, and ultimately, the vulnerable adults being cared for.