Learner Case Study
Tammy’s story: unlocking opportunities at Home Instead
Apprenticeships aren’t only for people starting out in their careers. Take Tammy Blackwell, for example.
After 25 years in the same role, Tammy believed she could challenge herself to do more. While working at Home Instead Guildford and Woking, Tammy became an apprentice in Adult Care, and never looked back.
Daring to go in a different direction
tend sat down with Tammy to find out how things are going, and gain insight into her apprenticeship experience.
tend: It’s great to catch up with you, Tammy! Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.
TB: Hi! My name is Tammy Blackwell. I’m an apprentice enrolled on the Level 5 Leader in Adult Social Care programme with tend, while working at Home Instead Guildford & Woking.
tend: That’s great! What brought you to this point on your career path?
TB: I was actually offered a position as Field Supervisor 8 years ago at another care provider. I felt that, after working in care for 25 years at that point, I could use my knowledge and experience in a new role. I wanted to try something different. It’s good to try new things and to challenge yourself once in a while.
tend: Terrific! Why did you decide to enrol onto an apprenticeship?
TB: I had completed my NVQ 2 and 3, and thought that I would benefit from taking on a Level 5 programme. I thought an apprenticeship would be a good way to
earn while I learn, and that the higher qualification would help me to progress professionally.
tend: What has been the biggest thing that you’ve learned during your apprenticeship experience?
TB: I’d definitely say the biggest thing has been time management. My role keeps me pretty busy, so, it’s been a challenge to make time in my day to complete the module units as well as doing my job. I’ll be completely honest; it’s not been easy. Saying that, I am managing to make the time.
tend: What advice would you give other apprentices in the care sector?
TB: I’d tell them to put some time aside to concentrate on your apprenticeship. I’d also say it’s well worth doing. Any apprenticeship that can help with progression is worth doing. You can draw on your experience and apply what you know to your assignments. It’s really rewarding.
tend: That’s so great to hear! So, what’s next for you? What does the future look like?
TB: I’ll admit that I haven’t thought that far ahead! I’ve not made any plans for after this. I’d just finished my Level 3 before I started my Level 5, so I might take a break from learning and concentrate on work for a while. After that, who knows! That’s what’s great about learning like this. It gives you options. I like that.
"Any apprenticeship that can help with progression is worth doing. You can draw on your experience and apply what you know to your assignments. It’s really rewarding."
Tammy Blackwell
Head of Live-In Care, Home Instead, Woking
Every learner has a story
She didn't let her 25 years in a different career put her off of pursuing something new. Care came naturally to her, so she researched her options, and changed course.
Tammy took on a Level 5 apprenticeship so she could earn and learn simultaneously. This gave her a flexible way to upskill while gaining experience.
She passed her apprenticeship with flying colours, and went on to be promoted to the head of the Live-In Care division at her Home Instead branch.
Firming up your future
Tammy’s experience is a great example of how perpetual learning can future-proof your career. She has gone from strength to strength as a result, and has now been promoted to the Head of Live-In Care at Home Instead in Woking.
The tend Career Builders pathway helps you to construct a learning path that identifies the next natural step on any learning journey. Tammy did just this. You can do it too.
