Learner Case Study
Helping Hands Case Study: Four Level 3 Adult Care Workers share their stories
Join tend as we celebrate the success of four learners from Helping Hands who successfully completed their Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeships with us.
Four professionals, one apprenticeship, infinite possibilities
At tend, we love nothing more than hearing directly from apprentices about their individual experiences and stories of success. We work with employers who are looking to upskill their staff, tailoring training to suit both the needs of their organisations, and the individual learners.
Impact Futures Group is proud to be the training provider of choice for Helping Hands and its incredible carers, who are the perfect ambassadors for care in the UK.
Join tend as we celebrate the success of four such individuals, who successfully completed their Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeships with us, and have taken their learning forward into the sector in positive and impactful ways.
What is Helping Hands Home Care?
Helping Hands has been providing quality home care since 1989. It is one of the largest and most experienced providers of live-in care in England & Wales today.
Whether short-term respite, convalescent, or companionship care, Helping Hands Home Care often enables individuals to receive care while staying in their own home, championing choice and independence while providing comfort and support to those who need it.
The Level 5 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is ideal for those stepping into (or already working in):
- Domiciliary care or community support roles
- Care supervisor or team leader positions
- Roles supporting adults with varying mental capacity
- Residential or nursing home environments
- Any role involving safeguarding and wellbeing responsibilities
- Senior care worker or key worker roles
The programme is a great choice for people who want to gain recognised skills in adult care, while supporting individuals to live with choice, dignity, and independence, and who are keen to build their confidence, leadership abilities, and career progression alongside their day-to-day role. This also aligns perfectly with the Helping Hands mission.
Learners can also choose a specialist route with this apprenticeship, with five different versions available:
- Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship – Generic Pathway
- Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker – Dementia apprenticeship
- Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker – Mental Health apprenticeship
- Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker – Supported Living apprenticeship
- Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker – Learning Disabilities apprenticeship
This makes this programme a versatile choice for the discerning care professional.
Success times four
The tend team caught up with four remarkable learners from Helping Hand Home Care who recently completed their apprenticeships with us, to discover more about their experience, and how they plan to take their new knowledge, skills, and behaviours forward.
Congratulations, ladies! Tell everyone a bit about yourselves.
Sarah: My name’s Sarah McKay. I’m a 53-year-old a mother of 3 sons. Before I had my children, I worked as an office administrator. I was a stay-at-home mum for many years. When my sons were more independent, I started thinking about my next steps. I have worked at Helping Hands Eastbourne for almost 4 years now. I love my job, and making a difference to people’s lives in the community.
Ruth: My name is Ruth Cooper, and I am originally from Carlisle. I’m married, I have two cats, and currently live in Halifax. I have worked for Helping Hands Halifax since September 2023, and I recently completed my apprenticeship with tend.
Tia: My name is Tia Knowles, and I work at Helping Hands in Rainham. I am 32 years old, and I’ve been working in care since I was 17. I have 3 young children, and have been married for 10 years. My time is filled with working, spending time with my family, and partaking in one of the many hobbies, including reading, gaming, and crocheting.
Tereza: My name is Tereza Kinovičová, and I’ve been working as a live-in carer with Helping Hands in Alcester for several years. Over time, I have specialised in clinical care, supporting clients with more complex health needs.
What made each of decide to work in adult care?
Sarah: I was cleaning for elderly people while my children were at school. When I was able to work full time, it seemed like the next step for me, as I enjoyed the time I spent helping the elderly.
Ruth: I previously did care work with various agencies, and really enjoyed supporting people. I also worked in retail for a few years prior to joining Helping Hands. I wanted a career where I was able to assist people on an individual basis, and help improve their lives and wellbeing.
Tia: I grew up watching both my mother and my nan work in the social care sector, and saw the difference it made for people, especially with my nan, who was a private carer for a gentleman who became like family to us. I decided to train with my local council at 17, and never looked back.
Tereza: Years ago, I worked in the financial department of an international company, but the role gradually stopped fulfilling me. I realised I wanted to do something that had more purpose and personal meaning. I had experience caring for a family member, so I decided to apply for a carer position. The work gives me a sense of meaning that I was missing in my previous career.
Why did you enrol on the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship with tend?
Sarah: I wanted to have a good understanding of the expectations of my role, and have a professional qualification. I wanted to feel more confident in my career, and know how best to provide care for people. I knew the programme would enable me to provide a better service and be a better employee. I also wanted to challenge myself.
Ruth: I decided to enrol on the apprenticeship course to improve my knowledge, and develop some self-confidence. It had been many years since I studied at university, and I was determined to develop and practice my skills.
Tia: I love to learn, and excel at what I do. I’m always looking to increase or cement my knowledge on all aspects of care, so that I can ensure I’m able to do my job to the very highest standards, and provide excellent quality care.
Tereza: I enrolled onto the apprenticeship because personal development is important to me, and to my role. I wanted to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my skills, and build more confidence in my practice.
What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned through your apprenticeship journey?
Sarah: If I set my mind to it, I can do it. I almost gave up, as I lost confidence three quarters of the way through. It was a difficult time, but now I have achieved the qualification, it has given me the confidence to go on to further education.
Ruth: The biggest thing I’ve learned from my apprenticeship is to try and be more confident, and to appreciate that my skills and knowledge are valued by my employer, colleagues, and my service users.
Tia: I have had to reevaluate how I do things a few times, as I tend to overthink tasks. This does mean that I’m known to go above and beyond, but it does also lend itself to wasted time. I have also had my eyes opened to different avenues I could take my learning.
Tereza: I’ve learned a great deal; but the most significant areas for me have been person-centred care, finding the right balance between promoting independence and ensuring safety, and understanding mental health challenges. Completing the apprenticeship also served as a valuable reflective process, helping me look at my practice with fresh perspective.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of enrolling onto an apprenticeship?
Sarah: You will have to motivate yourself, work very much independently, and do lots of research. Be ready to write many essays. Plan your time well.
Ruth: I would tell anyone interested in an apprenticeship that it’s very useful, as it makes you consider how you deliver care, and provides the theoretical framework that informs practice. It has made me evaluate my knowledge, and helped identify my strengths and weaknesses.
Tia: Do it! There’s no point putting it off, as it can only benefit you. The tend Development Coaches are very understanding and flexible at working around your rota and family, and they are really knowledgeable.
Tereza: An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. It helps you clarify your priorities within your role, build confidence, and gain a recognised qualification at the same time.
I’ve learned a great deal; but the most significant areas for me have been person-centred care, finding the right balance between promoting independence and ensuring safety, and understanding mental health challenges. Completing the apprenticeship also served as a valuable reflective process, helping me look at my practice with fresh perspective.
Tereza Kinovičová
Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker, Helping Hands Home Care
Every learner has a story
Sarah, Ruth, Tia and Tereza all had a clear view of where they wanted their apprenticeships to take them
They all completed their programmes successfully, making their desired futures possible
Now, those receiving their care are benefitting from a host of new, sector-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours
What next steps do you plan to take now you’ve completed your apprenticeships?
Sarah: I would like to gain further specialist education in Dementia Care.
Ruth: I plan to continue working for Helping Hands, as I am happy within my role. I feel more confident and competent, and more passionate about delivering high quality care within my community
Tia: Having spent the last few years increasing my knowledge and qualifications, I’m going to take some time with my family before I jump back into it, as I would like to complete my Level 5 at some point.
Tereza: I would like to continue developing in a clinical care area, as well as my understanding and skills in mental health care.
The possibilities are endless with apprenticeships
Though all four of these amazing care professionals studied for the same qualification, this is a great example of the different doors it can open, and how versatile apprenticeships can be.
Apprentices can take the learning at a pace that suits, have the delivery tailored to their preferences and needs, and enjoy the flexibility to fit it around their work and home lives. They can also select specific pathways that speak to their interests and selected areas of care.
Helping Hands continues to develop their teams with tend, and we couldn’t be more proud to support their invaluable work in the UK care sector.
Ready to upskill your teams with tend? Want to level up in your career? Get in touch with our team today. Call 01753 596 004 or hit the button below.
