With the UK unemployment rate increasing to 4.4% between September to November 2024, career schemes such as apprenticeships are an important pathway to support people into the workplace.
To mark the 18th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 10 – 16 February, Caroline Page, an Administration Assistant at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Michael of Kent Court, in Watford, shares how she fulfilled her passion to use her skills to support others through an apprenticeship in social care.
According to the government statistics, in 2023/24, there were 736,500 people participating in an apprenticeship in England, with 339,600 apprenticeship starts and 178,200 apprenticeship achievements.
At the age of 19, Caroline joined the care home in December 2023 as an apprentice Administration Assistant and is currently working towards her Business Administration Level 3 qualification.
Caroline said: “It can feel daunting when you first start a new role but I feel so supported by the whole team, residents and relatives alike.
“I would like to tell school students about the apprenticeship route, so that those leaving education will have a better picture of the options open to them afterwards, and maybe even consider an apprenticeship themselves.”
Rosalie Courtney, Business Relationship Manager, commented: “Although we hadn’t considered apprenticeships in the past, this route has worked out really well for our Home. We were looking for someone to fill the admin role for some time and this has been one of our best decisions.
“Caroline has been an absolute gem! Other care homes should consider the apprentice route when looking for roles as it can be incredibly rewarding, helping someone to gain their qualifications whilst they start their journey in to the working world.”
To further support the care sector, Caroline will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for Dementia UK in April.
