How apprenticeships can kickstart careers in care

We hear from two apprentices at St Monica Trust about how their apprenticeship has helped get them started with a career in care.

Leah Brophy

When I finished my GCSEs, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful - something that made a difference to people’s lives. I didn’t have any formal experience in care, but I’d always felt drawn to helping others. Initially, I considered going to college to study a Health and Social Care course, but someone suggested I look into apprenticeships. That advice changed everything.

I learn best by doing, and the idea of gaining hands-on experience while working really appealed to me. Sitting in a classroom just didn’t feel like the right fit.

The recruitment process was straightforward. I had a Zoom interview with the training department, and once accepted, I began with six weeks of induction training. This wasn’t in a care home - it was classroom-based, covering the basics like manual handling, legislation, and understanding the Trust’s values and policies. It gave me a solid foundation before stepping into the care environment.

After that, I spent two days a week in the care home and two days in training. There were around 16 of us across different sites, and we supported each other throughout. I especially appreciated the clear communication from the training team. I always knew what to expect and what the next steps were.

Once I started working in the care home, I was paired with a senior staff member for shadowing. That lasted about two months, during which I completed my Care Certificate. I didn’t work independently until I was signed off as competent, which made me feel safe and supported.

The senior I worked with gave me regular feedback, and I also had supervision meetings with my manager every few weeks. These catch-ups were a chance to reflect, ask questions, and receive guidance.

After completing my Level 2 apprenticeship, I moved on to Level 3. This qualification is more advanced and covers topics like team management and policy. I’ve even had the chance to lead shifts, which has helped me develop leadership skills and prepare for more senior roles.

I’m now over halfway through my Level 3 and aiming to finish by June. My goal is to become a nursing associate within the Trust. The support I’ve received - from managers, trainers, and colleagues - has made me feel confident about progressing.

If I were speaking to someone at a school careers day, I’d definitely recommend starting with an apprenticeship. For me, learning hands-on has been the most effective way to understand care work. You get to know the residents, learn how to communicate, and build real relationships. It’s not just about qualifications - it’s about making a difference.

Caitlin-Mae Toogood

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in care. With several family members in the sector and my mum working as a house lead at St Monica Trust, I was surrounded by people who made a difference every day.

I initially enrolled in a health and social care course at college, but after just one week I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. I learn best by doing - not by sitting in a classroom. That’s when my mum suggested I apply for the apprenticeship at St Monica’s. Within weeks, I’d interviewed, been accepted, and started my journey. From the very beginning, I knew I’d found the right path.

My induction began with training. We covered essential topics like moving and handling, used hoists, and completed written work. It was practical and hands-on, which suited me perfectly. After training, I spent three months on the dementia floor, shadowing experienced carers. I had the freedom to choose when I felt ready to be hands-on, which helped me build confidence at my own pace.

Being 16 at the time, I had to complete my Care Certificate before working independently. That process gave me time to learn, ask questions, and understand the realities of care work.

I didn’t receive specialist dementia training, but I took the initiative to research it myself - and the team around me was always ready to support and answer questions.

The apprenticeship has helped me grow in ways I never expected. I’ve learned how to communicate with residents, handle challenging situations, and provide personal care with empathy and respect.

I especially love the daily routines - getting residents ready for the day, helping them feel comfortable, and seeing their faces light up when they recognise me after time away. That connection is what makes the job so rewarding.

I’m due to finish my Level 2 apprenticeship in February and already thinking about what’s next. I’m considering a Level 3 qualification and possibly exploring childcare in the future. But I also love working at St Monica’s and hope to continue progressing here. I feel supported, valued, and part of a team that truly cares.

I’d love to keep moving up - maybe even reach Level 4 one day.

If you’re unsure about college or looking for a hands-on way to start your career in care, I’d absolutely recommend an apprenticeship. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll gain real experience, grow as a person, and make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

Learn more about how St Monica Trust use apprenticeships and wider support to recruit young people into care in Skills for Care new toolkit, published next month.

Print this page