From self-doubt to Learner of the Year

Clare Devitt completes her Level 3 Lead Adult Care Apprenticeship.

Clare Devitt works as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Barchester Healthcare's Arbour Lodge Independent Hospital. Since completing her Level 3 Lead Adult Care Apprenticeship, Clare has been named divisional Learner of the Year after being nominated by her colleagues, and has gone on to win the North West regional award. She will find out in October whether she has won overall at the national awards ceremony.

Clare chose to undertake the apprenticeship to build on her experience as an OTA and develop her knowledge, skills and confidence in providing high-quality, person-centred care.

“I chose to undertake the adult care apprenticeship because I wanted to develop my knowledge, skills and confidence in providing high-quality, person-centred care. Working as an OTA has given me valuable experience supporting individuals with a range of needs, and I saw the apprenticeship as an opportunity to build on this experience through structured learning and professional development.”

Clare hoped the course would help her grow both professionally and personally.

“I have gained confidence in my role, strengthened my understanding of best practice, and improved my ability to work with colleagues and other professionals.”

Putting her learning into practice

Through the course, Clare developed a stronger understanding of effective communication, person-centred care and professional responsibility.

She has applied this learning in her day-to-day work by mentoring and supporting her colleagues, helping them understand what good practice looks like and why it matters.

“One of the key skills I have applied in my work is mentoring and supporting staff. Through the course, I developed a better understanding of effective communication, person centred care, professional responsibilities, and the importance of supporting colleagues to provide high-quality care.”

Overcoming challenges

Balancing work, family responsibilities and personal issues outside of work was one of the biggest difficulties Clare faced during her apprenticeship, and at times managing everything alongside studying felt overwhelming.

Returning to academic study after a long time away from the classroom brought its own pressures too.

“I also found some aspects of the academic work challenging. Returning to studying while working full time was difficult, and sometimes I lacked confidence in my ability to complete written assignments and to meet the required standards.”

Despite this, Clare stayed committed to the course and came out the other side with far more confidence than she started with.

Making a difference within her team

Completing the apprenticeship has had a real impact on Clare's work at Arbour Court Care Home. By mentoring staff and demonstrating how to complete daily activities in line with policy and best practice, she helps promote consistent standards of care across the team.

“By mentoring staff and demonstrating how to complete daily activities in line with policies and best practice, I help to promote consistent standards of care and ensure that service users receive safe, effective, and compassionate support. The course has strengthened my leadership and organisational skills.”

Support from Realise

“AnnMarie, my trainer, has been fantastic throughout my apprenticeship. Her support and encouragement gave me the confidence to keep going, even when I doubted myself, and I'm really grateful for everything she has done to help me get here.”

A proud career achievement

Completing the apprenticeship has given Clare more options to further her career in adult care, and she now feels ready to keep building on what she has achieved.

“The course gave me more options to further my career.”

AnnMarie's perspective

“Clare has been a pleasure to work with throughout her apprenticeship. Her dedication to her role and to the people she supports comes through in everything she does, and her confidence has grown enormously over the course. Winning the North West Learner of the Year award is well deserved, and I'm proud of everything she has achieved.”

AnnMarie Edwards, Trainer at Realise

Clare's advice to future apprentices

Clare would encourage anyone interested in adult care to take the leap, even if it feels daunting at first.

“I would encourage anyone interested in adult care to undertake the apprenticeship. It is hard work, but it is rewarding and can provide for any future career development and progression. I am now thinking of doing a level 5 because I now know I can do it. I always doubted myself at the beginning of the course.”