Care home provider HC-One, the Kind Care Company, has been featured for the first time in the independent Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022, joining the prestigious list at number 45.
The recently published Top 100 list, developed by the Department for Education in conjunction with High Fliers Research, recognises the very highest standards of apprenticeship employment in England based on a range of data points and includes a range of industries in both the private and public sectors. The list recognises the commitment of employers, and supports future apprentices, career advisers and others to identify future potential apprenticeship opportunities.
HC-One, the UK’s largest elderly care home provider, joined major household names in the Top 50 of the independently assessed rankings, in recognition of their commitment to the career boosting opportunities provided by apprenticeships over the past 12 months. Their introduction to the Top 100 list is recognition of their commitment to lifelong learning.
HC-One employs over 900 apprentices across the UK and has seen success in the high number of Colleagues completing their apprenticeships since 2017 – with over 1300 completed apprenticeships as part of their partnership with Lifetime Training.
Apprenticeship opportunities at HC-One are offered to newly recruited and existing Colleagues to help develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence, with a range of topics on offer including care, hospitality, business skills, IT and leadership. The programme forms part of HC-One’s commitment to providing rewarding careers in the care industry, by supporting Colleagues to progress their careers with clearly defined progression pathways and the opportunity to achieve fully funded accredited qualifications.
Niall Hutton, 27, Nursing Assistant at Capwell Grange Care Home in Luton, started as a Care Assistant at the home in September 2018, before progressing to a Senior Care Assistant, and then on to a Nursing Assistant thanks to HC-One’s apprenticeship programme.
Niall Hutton, Nursing Assistant at Capwell Grange Care Home said:
“My apprenticeship with HC-One gave me the opportunity to develop my leadership and clinical skills in a range of different practical scenarios, working alongside talented mentors to improve my existing skills and learn new ones. During my studies, I took on the role of Infection Control Lead for my workplace, during the height of the pandemic and was encouraged to learn a lot about Colleague engagement, policies and how to continue to provide the highest standards of care even in high pressure situations. I am hoping to continue my career pathway and complete a nursing degree apprenticeship to become a Registered Nurse.”
Jenna Lord, 37, Head Housekeeper at Averill House Care Home in Manchester, joined HC-One in October 2018, and completed her Functional Skills Maths and English alongside her Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Standard where she achieved a distinction.
Jenna Lord, Head Housekeeper at Averill House Care Home said:
“My housekeeping role changed significantly during the pandemic. I couldn't be prouder of how we all got through at Averill House. Doing my apprenticeship at the same time was challenging, but with the help and support I got from HC-One, Colleagues at Averill House and friends and family, I was able to complete my learning and pass with a distinction grade, which really helped me to build in confidence. I couldn't be happier, and my certificate is hanging proudly in my office at work.”
James Tugendhat, Chief Executive at HC-One said:
“Being listed as one of the country’s Top 50 outstanding apprenticeship employers for the first time is a huge honour and a great achievement.
“We are very proud of the apprenticeship programme HC-One offers its new and existing Colleagues, as we aim to invest in developing a kind, skilled and knowledgeable workforce to meet the demands for care both now and in the future in the communities we serve.”