Providing support to apprentices is a top priority for the management team at St Bernard’s Residential Care Home and with the assistance of Solihull College, current apprentice Jade is reaping the benefits as she begins her career in the healthcare industry.

Situated in Olton, Solihull, St Bernard’s Residential Care Home is a small, family run business that prides itself on providing person-centred care, with all activities focused on enhancing the lives of residents on a daily basis.

Care Manager Ann Coombs, who has always worked in a healthcare environment, knows how valuable it is to support her team, provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills and in particular, ensure they enjoy coming to work.

Ann comments: “Over the years I have witnessed some poor working conditions that I would never want a young person entering the healthcare industry to experience.

“Therefore during the eight years I have been at St Bernard’s I have always supported my staff through the Apprenticeship programme delivered by Solihull College and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

“The apprentices achieve industry recognised qualifications whilst gaining invaluable hands-on experience working at the Home, which helps them build a successful career in the healthcare industry and ultimately allows them to enjoy what they do.”

Health and Social Care Apprentice Jade Foxall has been working at St Bernard’s Residential Care Home for the last two months and is thoroughly enjoying the opportunity she has been given. From speaking and listening to residents, to assisting with their individual care needs, working at St Bernard’s is a very varied role.

Jade comments: “St Bernard’s is a great place to work and I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship. The team are incredibly friendly and have made me feel very welcome. Every day is different which is great – from helping out at the residents’ art class to finding out about their life history; working at the home is making me more determined to pursue my career in the healthcare industry.”

Nineteen-year-old Jade works at the home two days a week and attends college for the remainder, where she learns everything from communication and completion of records, to the support, protection and well-being of others.

She is regularly visited at the home by the college’s team of assessors who observe her work and monitor her progress. This allows them to build up a positive working relationship with Jade and provide support to her for the duration of the apprenticeship programme.

St Bernard’s Residential Care Home provides care for 38 residents employing a team of over 50 staff. It has recently started offering a day care service for elderly people wishing to fulfil their days with different activities, which is another aspect of the role Jade will get involved in. Over the next few months the Home will be taking on another two Health and Social Care apprentices with the support of Solihull College.

* If you are interested in doing an apprenticeship please contact Solihull College’s Employer Services Team on 0121 678 7181 or email sales@solihull.ac.uk.