Reby Anne Ganitano works as a Healthcare Assistant at Barchester’s Kernow House Care Home in Launceston. Kernow House provides person-centred nursing and dementia care, including specialist support for people living with Huntington’s disease, advanced dementia and complex health needs.
Reby chose to complete the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship because she wanted to build her knowledge and skills while continuing to gain valuable experience in the workplace.
“I enjoy supporting and caring for people, and I wanted to build a career where I could make a positive difference in their lives. An apprenticeship suited me because I could learn while working and put what I was learning into practice every day.”
Reby hoped the programme would help her gain a recognised qualification, become more confident in her role and continue developing both personally and professionally.
“Most importantly, I wanted to grow into a better care professional and feel proud of the support and care I provide to others.”
Throughout her apprenticeship, Reby developed a stronger understanding of person-centred care, safeguarding, communication and supporting people with different needs.
She has applied this learning in her day-to-day work by treating every person as an individual, listening to their wishes and respecting their choices and independence.
Reby has also become more confident when communicating with the people she supports, their families, colleagues and other professionals. The programme strengthened her understanding of how to recognise changes in someone’s wellbeing, report concerns appropriately and work effectively as part of a team.
“The knowledge and skills I gained have helped me become more confident, compassionate and effective in my role. They have improved the quality of the care and support I provide.”
Balancing work, her personal life and apprenticeship assignments was sometimes challenging for Reby, particularly when several responsibilities and deadlines needed her attention at once.
Although there were times when she felt tired or under pressure, Reby learned to manage her time, stay organised and ask for support when she needed it.
“It wasn’t always easy, but the challenges helped me grow as a person and as a professional. Looking back, I’m proud that I stayed committed and didn’t give up, even when things became difficult.”
Managing the different demands of the apprenticeship has also helped Reby become more confident in taking responsibility and balancing priorities within her role.
Completing the apprenticeship has had a positive impact on Reby’s work at Kernow House. She is now more confident when sharing information with colleagues and contributing to discussions about the people they support.
Her increased knowledge of person-centred care, safeguarding and effective communication has also enabled her to support colleagues and promote good practice across the team.
“I feel that my increased confidence and skills have allowed me to take more responsibility in my role and contribute more positively to the team. I hope my experience can encourage others within the organisation to consider an apprenticeship as a way to develop their skills and careers.”
Reby was supported throughout her apprenticeship by Claire Thomson, whose guidance, patience and encouragement helped her remain motivated and on track.
“Claire was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. She was supportive, approachable, patient and encouraging, and she consistently went above and beyond to make sure I felt confident and supported.”
Reby particularly valued Claire’s constructive feedback and ability to explain things clearly.
“Her positive attitude and genuine commitment to my progress made a real difference to my apprenticeship experience. I’m extremely grateful for the role she played in helping me reach this achievement. She is an excellent assessor and a real credit to the team.”
Completing the apprenticeship has given Reby a recognised qualification and a stronger understanding of what it means to provide high-quality, person-centred care.
She now feels more confident in her responsibilities and excited about the opportunities available to her as she continues her career in health and social care.
“It has reminded me that it’s never too late to learn something new, develop yourself and work towards your goals. I’m very proud of how far I’ve come and excited to continue growing in my career.”
“Reby should be incredibly proud of what she has achieved. She has shown real commitment by balancing her apprenticeship with the demands of her role and has used her learning to strengthen the care and support she provides. Her confidence has grown throughout the programme, and she is now making an even greater contribution to her colleagues and the people supported at Kernow House.”
Claire Thomson
Reby would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the opportunity, remain committed and make the most of the support available.
“Manage your time well and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There may be challenging moments, especially when balancing work, your personal life and assignments, but having the right support makes a big difference.”
“Be open to learning and feedback, and don’t give up when things feel difficult. Completing my apprenticeship has helped me grow in confidence both personally and professionally, and I’m really glad I chose to do it with Realise.”