Sarah's Promotion  Through an Apprenticeship

Sarah Cunningham, a dedicated and long-serving Support Worker at Solihull Council, embarked on a transformative journey by enrolling on a Level 4 Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship programme offered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training. After dedicating 18 years to her role as a Support Worker, she was not only seeking personal and professional growth but also responding to the changing demands of her job after being promoted as Deputy Manager. With a desire to become more than just a Support Worker, Sarah decided to pursue this apprenticeship to enhance her knowledge and skills in Adult Care while also exploring new opportunities in management.

Challenges and Learning Objectives

Sarah says, "To be honest, I didn't really see myself as wanting to be in management up until doing my apprenticeship." She realised the need to develop a broader understanding of the Adult Care sector. She shares her key learning objectives: "I wanted to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to assume a leadership role within adult care, gain a deeper understanding of the legislation, policies, and procedures, and acquire practical insights into managing and leading a team effectively."

Practical Learning and Benefits

Sarah found that her apprenticeship at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training has helped with hands-on learning experiences within her job role. She says, "I've learned a lot more about legislation and all those kinds of things that go alongside the job. It's practical." This practical approach allowed her to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

She acknowledges the benefits of the apprenticeship, stating, "The apprenticeship has been incredibly valuable. It has equipped me with knowledge and skills that I wouldn't typically acquire during my regular work. Through this programme, I'm gaining practical knowledge that I can directly apply to my daily responsibilities as Deputy Manager."

Support and Guidance

Throughout her apprenticeship, Sarah received comprehensive support from her tutor, Michelle. Sarah emphasises, "At Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, my tutor Michelle is brilliant. She's very knowledgeable. She has been out to do observations and has been very helpful if I need any help on my assignments. Michelle has been supportive during the whole time."

Recommendation

Sarah recommends a Level 4 Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship to others who aspire to advance in their careers within the Adult Care sector. She highlights, "I would recommend doing a Level 4 Lead Practitioner apprenticeship for those wanting to jump from a level 3 to level 4 qualification as you are able to learn the knowledge that can be used practically through an apprenticeship."

In conclusion, Sarah's journey from a Support Worker to a Deputy Manager stands as a testament to the value of continuous learning and professional development. Her story demonstrates how an apprenticeship programme, supported by dedicated educators, can empower individuals to achieve their career goals and become effective leaders in their field.

If you would like to find out more information about our Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeship by emailing enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk or call 024 76231122.