Valuing apprenticeships to support the vulnerable in care

Posted on by karen.smith

Values in Care’s managing director Geraldine Butler.

Values in Care’s managing director Geraldine Butler.

Values in Care provides accommodation and 24-hour support to vulnerable adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. To ensure staff can meet the requirements of these people it is imperative that they receive the best possible training to give them the appropriate skills.

The organisation, based in Hengoed, Caerphilly, supports individuals in 14 different services across South East Wales, with 25 apprentices currently working towards their qualifications. In the past five years, it has recruited 60 apprentices.

Working with learning provider Educ8, employees are encouraged to enrol on an apprenticeship framework to develop competencies and skills required to deliver the quality service expected by the company.

Values in Care goes above and beyond the minimum requirement of 50 per cent of all care staff qualified or working towards a QCF qualification required by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales.

Now the company has been shortlisted for the Medium Employer of the Year Award at this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, which take place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on October 20.

Jointly organised by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), the prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, employers and learning providers who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships, Jobs Growth Wales and Apprenticeship programmes. The Awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC and supported by media partner, Media Wales.

The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

“Apprenticeships are regarded as a key driver to helping the organisation achieve its vision of becoming an exemplary and leading provider of high quality care services for its client group,” said Tony Davies, HR training manager.

Due to the nature of work patterns, the company has invested in technology and systems to ensure employees can learn flexibly. Its frameworks are Diplomas in Health and Social Care at Level 2, 3 and 5.

“We work closely with Educ8 to develop comprehensive personal development plans for all apprentices and any additional support requirements that are identified during induction,” added Mr Davies.

Employee development is highlighted in CSSIW reports for having a positive impact on its services.

Wales’ Minister for Skills and Science Julie James congratulated Values in Care and the other 32 shortlisted award finalists. “We are proud to be delivering one of the most successful apprenticeship programmes in Europe with success rates in Wales remaining well above 80 per cent,” she said.

“Developing skilled people is vital for our economy. We have some truly exceptional apprentices here in Wales and the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru provide a perfect platform for us to celebrate their hard work and achievements. Equally important are the learning providers and employers who go the extra mile to support their apprentices.”

More News Articles

  —