Healthcare Homes apprenticeships helping to build the future

This week is National Apprenticeship Week  – the 15^th annual celebration of apprenticeships across the UK.

At Healthcare Homes Group we have more than 230 apprentices  – about 7 % of our workforce – working on a variety of different programmes from level 3 qualifications right through to level 7 – a masters leadership programme.

National Apprenticeship Week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is ‘build the future’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills

One of Healthcare Homes apprenticeship success stories is Harrison Whitmore, who recently passed his level 3 apprenticeship to qualify as a Lead Adult Care Worker.

Harrison was working as a bricklayer when he was made redundant. A job as a carer at Overbury House Care Home in Wroxham, Norfolk,  came up and he took it on, mainly because “I needed the work”. Within six months, he realised he was never going to return to a building site again. 

“I used to care for my neighbour who was in his 90s when I was about 12, and as soon as I started the job, all the memories of that came flooding back. I used to find it really rewarding and didn’t realise how much it meant to me until after I started working in care,” explained Harrison.

But Harrison’s schoolfriends weren’t surprised to find their buddy ditching his trowel for a uniform.

He jokes: “I was always the known as the caring kid. I have to explain to them that it’s not about sitting around drinking tea all day – far from it! It’s a very demanding job and busy – you’re on your feet most of the time.

“I don’t believe working in care is a job that’s suitable for anyone to do. You’ve got to be passionate about it, because it’s hard work. You need to be kind, caring and compassionate too.”

While he’s happy with all elements of the work, when time allows he really likes to spend time getting to know a new resident or catching up with one of the regulars – “I love hearing their wartime stories”.

On a practical level, he particularly enjoys assisting with the medication. “It comes with a lot of responsibility, and I was very nervous about doing it at first, but I’ve enjoyed it so much that it’s given me the idea of studying further to become a nurse.”

Harrison has applied to do a degree in nursing this year, and if he’s lucky enough to get into the local university, he hopes to be able to fit working at Overbury House around his studies.

To find out more about working at Healthcare Homes call our careers team on 01206 987499.