Stacey and Will are two individuals who have recently completed apprenticeships in adult care work with Lincoln College.
In their own words, they explain how the support of their employer, and our college is helping them unlock their potential in a sector which is in great need of skilled, dedicated individuals such as them.
Stacey O’Keefe - Level 2 Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship
“I left school at the age of 14 and I fell pregnant with my first child at 16”, explains Stacey who is using her apprenticeship with Lincoln College to pursue a career in mental health nursing.
“I have struggled with severe mental health from the age of 15”, she continues. “I thought then my life of education was over….
“I have just completed my qualification level 2 /apprenticeship via Lincoln College.”
“I am extremely proud of myself…. At first I was anxious about signing up for the apprenticeship and the course I had very low self esteem and no confidence.”
Stacey initially struggled with some of the terminology of the words and units used during her apprenticeship and struggled to connect with her assessors. Fortunately, this was picked up and, with her assessor, Caroline’s help, she began to thrive in her apprenticeship: “Such a gentle, caring, informative lady; she encouraged me to keep pushing myself, she kept telling me I could do it… pushing me forward to dig deep in my own beliefs to complete this.
“I then, again, stumbled at the end of the course. Awaiting the EPA, my anxiety took over. I was given full support from my tutor. I was given time and also guidance.”
To help Stacey through her apprenticeship and overcome challenges posed by her anxiety and mental health, Stacey and Caroline adapted standard procedure during the pandemic so they would meet in person, which helped Stacey feel more comfortable and build a more trusting relationship. The course was paused to allow Stacey time to deal with further mental health challenges.
When she was able to continue, Stacey completed her course and took her final exams, with Caroline helping her resolve technical issues and overcome her anxiety.
Stacey not only completed her apprenticeship; she passed with distinction, unlocking an exciting career in which she can devote her talents to helping others. Thanks to her achievements, Stacey is now looking to train and work in the mental health sector and is discussing potential routes into mental health nursing.
“I never thought I would see the day I could have a qualification”, she said. “I feel overly proud of myself and I have asked to continue on to a level 3 now so I can complete a mental health nursing degree.”
Will North - Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship
Gaining qualifications and on-the-job experience helped unlock new opportunities for Will, who had originally planned to join his partner in her business. However, after achieving his qualification, Will decided to stay in adult social care and is considering pursuing a further Level 5 apprenticeship.
“I found my course engaging and relevant” explains Will. “Filling out knowledge that I’d gained from my working role and inhouse training”, he continues; “utilising this on a day to day basis, and finding reference to legislation throughout company policies”
“Having more of an in-depth understanding of legislation gave me the knowledge to further develop the staff team.”
Even though Will’s apprenticeship was interrupted by the pressures of Covid-19, Will was able to continue learning, being assigned to an assessor, Caroline, who helped him complete end point assessment preparation to achieve his full qualification: “Caroline supported me and took the time to understand my learning style and implement this into our meetings ultimately giving me the tools to achieve my diploma.”
Will completed his mock exams to a high standard and subsequently achieved a merit in his written exam and a distinction in his professional discussion. Will completed his qualification with a distinction, which was very deserved.
Equipped with his diploma, Will has taken on additional responsibilities at work and his employer is keen for him to pursue a further qualification with Lincoln College.
Follow in their footsteps and find out more about apprenticeships at Lincoln College here.
View our current apprenticeship vacancies here.
