HC-One is proud to be participating in the 16th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), between 6th – 12th February 2023.
The week champions the remarkably positive impact that apprenticeship opportunities have on the lives of individuals, organisations and the wider economy.
The theme of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’ focusing on how apprenticeships are helping to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to access rewarding careers, which in turn helps organisations to develop, build and maintain a talented workforce that is equipped with the right skills to meet the current and future demands.
During National Apprenticeship Week, HC-One in conjunction with Lifetime Training, (HC-One’s main apprenticeship training provider) will be sharing stories across their social media channels and Lifetime Training sites about HC-One’s inspirational rising stars who have successfully completed their apprenticeships.
They will also be launching their new Apprenticeship Prospectus to all Colleagues working in Care Homes across England, showcasing opportunities available to grow their careers within the social care sector, with a clearly defined professional pathway and the opportunity to achieve a fully funded, industry accredited qualification.
HC-One has over 20 different apprenticeships available, which are offered to both newly recruited and existing Colleagues to help develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence to provide the kindest care.
HC-One’s apprenticeship training courses include:
• Adult care worker, Level: 2
• Lead adult care worker, Level: 3
• Lead practitioner in adult care, Level: 4
• Leader in adult care, Level: 5
• Production chef, Level: 2
• Senior production chef, Level: 3
• Healthcare cleaning operative, Level: 2
• Hospitality supervisor, Level: 3
• Hospitality manager, Level: 4
• Customer service practitioner, Level: 2
• Business administrator, Level: 3
• Data technician, Level: 3
• Data analyst, Level: 4
• Infrastructure technician, Level: 3
• Procurement and supply assistant, Level: 3
• HR support, Level: 3
• HR consultant partner, Level: 5
• Learning and development consultant business partner, Level: 5
• Coaching professional, Level: 5
• Senior Leader, Level 7
• Nursing Associate, Level: 5
Niall Hutton, an apprentice Nursing Assistant at Capwell Grange Care Home in Luton, is an example of the programmes success during the last year, becoming a finalist at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2022, after winning the Rising Star Award at the East Midlands Regional Awards.
In Summer 2022, HC-One also featured for the first time in the independent Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2022, joining the prestigious list at number 45. The Top 100 list recognises the very highest standards of apprenticeship employment in England. The list recognises the commitment of employers, and supports future apprentices, career advisers and others to identify future potential apprenticeship opportunities.
Looking into 2023, HC-One will be adding to its apprenticeship opportunities from Autumn 2023 by welcoming non-registered care Colleagues in England to train as a Registered Nursing Associate, through the apprenticeship route.
In 2022, HC-One saw 223 Colleagues successfully complete their apprenticeship programmes and are currently supporting over 850 Colleagues across England, Scotland and Wales to complete an apprenticeship programme within the next two years.
Following a recent ‘Impact Evaluation’ HC-One were able to identify a number of positive outcomes for those Colleagues who were either completing or had achieved their apprenticeship programme. This included:
• 91% of Colleagues who achieved their apprenticeship indicated their apprenticeship improved their ability to perform their current job
• 86% of Colleagues completing an apprenticeship said it is making them more confident in their role
• 87% of Colleagues who achieved their apprenticeships said that it helped their career with 26% of Colleagues who achieved an apprentice receiving a promotion
• 90% of Colleagues said the apprenticeship was helping to create a positive team spirit
Susan Beasley, HC-One’s Apprenticeship and Qualifications Manager, stated:
“We are all very proud of what we have achieved at HC-One over the past year and look forward to continuing to further develop our apprenticeship opportunities in 2023. It is very important that our Colleagues feel they are receiving the right level of support to progress in their careers and to ensure Residents living in our homes are receiving the best quality of care. It is such a rewarding feeling speaking to Colleagues who have undertaken an apprenticeship and say that completing this has influenced their career choices and helped them grow both professionally and personally as a result.
“We recognise how important apprenticeships are in supporting our Colleagues to improve and grow their careers in care, so we are committed to continuing to develop and increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. We are so proud of our Colleagues’ achievements in 2022 and are looking forward to what 2023 will bring.”
Niall Hutton, Nursing Assistant at Capwell Grange Care Home in Luton spoke about achieving his Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship programme recently:
“To anyone considering doing an apprenticeship, I would say just do it! It is never too late to improve your skills professionally or personally and doing an apprenticeship provides ample opportunity to do so. Completing my apprenticeship has given me the confidence to progress further and I hope to soon start a Nursing Apprenticeship programme with HC-One with the aim to become a Registered Nurse working in Adult Social Care in the future.”
Nikki Kenny, Partnership Consultant Care at Lifetime Training commented:
“Lifetime Training are proud to be partnered with HC-One to deliver apprenticeship opportunities to all HC-One Colleagues. National Apprenticeship Week is a great way to celebrate the apprenticeship achievements of HC-One Colleagues as well as raise awareness about the apprenticeship opportunities available at HC-One to allow continued career development as they work to progress their workforce and deliver the kindest possible care.”