Kerry is a Support Worker at Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) in their very sheltered housing complex, Cloverfield Grove in Aberdeen. Cloverfield Grove supports elderly adults with various mental and physical health conditions. Kerry first started her Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare in August last year.
Why did you choose a modern apprenticeship?
I’ve been working in care for about 11 years which has gained me valuable skills as well as having helped shape the person I am today. I chose to do a modern apprenticeship to further develop my skills and knowledge and get the qualifications which I feel will reflect my years of experience, all while working in my role at Cloverfield which I thoroughly enjoy.
What has your experience been?
My experience has been solely positive as I love to learn and have had the opportunity to refine skills I already have. With the support of my assessor, I feel confident in my abilities and comfortable to discuss anything I may be unsure of which makes the experience really enjoyable. I've also really enjoyed applying my daily practices to different social theories as I have a passion for social sciences in general.
Hear from Kerry in our short video
What is a typical day like?
My typical day consists of supporting our service users with their medication, personal care and housing support, as well as maintaining professional records and ensuring I am up to date with records and support plans. There are also daily activities which take place in the morning and afternoon and some service users prefer one to one support which is also available. On my SVQ support days (once a month) I travel to VSA’s main office where my assessor supports me to work on my SVQ level 7.
What do you like most about your job?
My favourite part of the job is bonding with the people who use our service and spending quality time with them. This part is where I feel the most job satisfaction, as over time, trust and rapport is built and relationships flourish. I can see the impact I have in their lives (as well as the impact they have in mine).
How relevant is the qualification requirements to the work you are doing?
Working on my SVQ level 7 has allowed me to apply the things I do daily to the relevant legislation and company policies, as well as giving me a deeper understanding of how this legislation applies to my daily tasks in regard to the health and wellbeing of the people I support. This means that I am thinking more deeply about the practices in which I have always adhered to in my working life.
What words of advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
I would strongly encourage anyone considering applying for a modern apprenticeship to do so. Not only is it accessible for people who may not have the means or want to attend conventional higher education. It’s also a practical and realistic way to gain a qualification while working and earning a salary.