Where are they now: Cerys, Modern Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care
As part of Scottish Careers Week we caught up with Cerys to learn about her journey into her perfect career.
Cerys was born and brought up in Elgin having attended Elgin High School. On leaving school at 17, she entered the Hospitality industry where she worked for 2 years in a local hotel, however during the COVID-19 Lockdown she was furloughed which led her to find alternative employment being employed as a COVID tester in one of the care homes in Elgin – Andersons.
Cerys loved working in the care home so when a position came up she applied and was successful in being offered a full-time position as a Care Practitioner in Andersons. This career choice was not one that Cerys had considered in the past, but she wanted an opportunity to find a role she would enjoy, which would challenge her and provide a longer term career.
Cerys has now worked as a care practitioner for 2 years and has just completed her Modern Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care level 3 in 11 months.
I love my job and have found that it has brought out a something in me that I never knew I had. All my family and friends have noted how much happier I am and I love seeing what a difference I can make to the lives of the residents in the home. Every day is different and I love hearing from the residents about their lives, their memories and their life experiences. I don’t feel that I am at work when I am working. Every day is special. It’s the best choice I ever made and see myself staying in the sector for many years and I am currently thinking about Nursing at some point in the future.
Apprenticeships and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are ideal for industry, as you are assessed on the job through on-site assessment. Depending on the framework, you may be funded by Skills Development Scotland or through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland, and in some instances your employer will pay, or you can study on a self-funded basis.
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