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A qualified workforce - Kerry Armitage (image)

04 Mar 2026

Careers in care Social service workforce SSSC registration Your learning

SSSC Registered – a qualified workforce: Kerry’s story

We first shared Kerry’s story during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2024. Now two years on, we catch up with Kerry to see how her career in social care has progressed. Kerry still works as a support worker at Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) while working towards a BA (Hons) in Social Work.

Since you completed your modern apprenticeship, how has your career progressed? 

Completing my Modern Apprenticeship gave me confidence in my abilities as a worker as well as a deeper understanding of the legislation, values and reflective practices which are vital to my role. This experience has allowed me to progress on to further study and I’m proud to say I have almost completed my first year of a social work degree. I know I would not have had the confidence to even apply were it not for completing my Modern Apprenticeship.

Watch Kerry’s clip from 2024

What qualification(s) do you have now /or are working towards? 

I now hold an SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7 and I am currently working towards a BA (Hons) in Social Work to become a qualified social worker and deepen my knowledge and skills so that I can work with vulnerable women and girls, which is my passion.

How did you evidence learning for assessment?

I evidenced learning through reflective accounts, observations, professional discussions and meetings as well as work documents such as care plans and risk assessments.

How relevant is the qualification requirements to the work you are doing? 

The qualification was highly relevant to my role and could potentially lead to a promotion. The standards referenced and reflected real practice and encouraged reflective thinking rather than just dealing with work tasks without critical thinking. It ensured that my practice was not just experience based but informed by recognised standards of working and ethical frameworks.

What words of advice would you give someone who is considering a modern apprenticeship? 

I would greatly encourage anyone considering a Modern Apprenticeship to go for it. It allows you to learn whilst you work, gain confidence in yourself and in turn with people using services as well as gaining you a great qualification all in one. Good luck!

What does it mean to you to be SSSC registered?

Being registered with the SSSC to me not only means I am recognised as the professional that I am, but that I have an ongoing duty to be committed to practicing as a health and social care worker at the highest standard expected – it reinforces the responsibility we have in our sector to practice ethically and safely.

SSSC registered

This article is part of our #SSSCregistered campaign where we’re sharing real life experiences of registrants who have recently gained their qualifications, alongside training providers and SVQ assessors to help the social care and children and young people workforce across Scotland learn more about the benefits of qualification and the support available.

Contact information

Nichola Stark
Communications Officer
Scottish Social Services Council
media@sssc.uk.com