Real stories from real people
Find out if you have what it takes from our case studies below.
Naomi Lovesay
Monmouthshire County Council
In 2019, Naomi helped launch the Social Care and Health Apprenticeship Scheme within Monmouthshire County Council to create a pathway for those interested in a career in care.
Naomi used her own experience from studying as a physiotherapist to create a rotational placement approach so that apprentices could gain experience in a wide variety of roles to help them find the right profession for them within care.
Gareth John
Youth Worker (former Apprentice)
Gareth always had a passion for working with young people and found his calling as a Youth Worker thanks to his apprenticeship with Ceredigion County Council.
It wasn’t long after joining the scheme that Gareth realised how important the role of Youth Workers play in the lives of many vulnerable young people.
Gareth believes the experience he gained during his apprenticeship was a crucial stepping stone to begin his career in social care.
Naomi Frere
Student Social Worker (former Apprentice)
Naomi experienced the care system first hand growing up in foster care and wanted to use her experiences to help other young people in similar situations.
While working for her local council’s finance department, the apprenticeship provided Naomi with the perfect opportunity to begin a career in social care while crucially allowing her to continue to earn a wage.
The qualification Naomi gained from her apprenticeship gave her the additional UCAS points she required to apply for an undergraduate place at University of South Wales where she is now a third year Student Social Worker.
Emily Free
Student Social Worker (former Apprentice)
After completing her undergraduate degree in English Literature, Emily applied for an apprenticeship in social care to find a career where she could make a difference.
Despite having no previous experience in the sector, the apprenticeship provided Emily with a hands-on and nurturing learning environment where she could shadow experienced professionals and senior practitioners.
Upon completion of her apprenticeship, Emily enrolled on a Masters degree in Social Care at Cardiff University with the hope of qualifying as a social worker.
Callum Fennell
Apprentice
After struggling to engage with school, Callum was supported to take on a placement at a local care home where his respect and care for residents made him the perfect candidate for an apprenticeship in social care.
Callum’s confidence has continued to grow as he has progressed through his qualification where he has been supported by a personal mentor who is able to tailor his responsibilities to include more complex care such as emergencies when he becomes ready.
Despite the challenges, Callum’s pride and satisfaction in his work is rooted in the appreciation and gratitude shown by the residents he cares for.
In a handwritten letter from one resident, they described him as a “born carer”.
Linda Roberts
Children's Team Support Worker
Linda is a Support Worker within the children's social services team, where she supports families who have experienced difficulties.
Sarah Grice
Learning Disability Team Job Coach
Sarah Grice works for the Supported Employment team at HFT Flintshire as a Job Coach. Sarah helps find work for adults with learning disabilities.
Nia O'Marah
Practice Learning Co Ordinator
Nia is a social worker by profession and is now a Practice Learning Co-Ordinator who supports individuals on their journeys to become Social Workers.
Job vacancies in care
Wales needs more social care workers.
Many people working in social care have made the jump from jobs such as hospitality or retail. Use your transferable skills and apply for roles in your area now.