Switching Lanes: Bus Driver to Inspiring Senior Support Worker

At Realise, we take immense pride in the achievements of our learners - and Claire’s story is one we’re incredibly proud to share. Her journey into adult social care has been anything but typical, and her passion for people and progress truly embodies what it is to work in adult care.

A Cut Above: Claire’s Leap from Butchery to Social Care Leadership

Claire, a Senior Support Worker from Falmouth, Cornwall, began her professional life in very different surroundings - from working in a food factory after leaving school, then driving buses, to raising her children as a stay-at-home mum. But it was a deeply personal experience that ignited Claire’s calling to adult care.

“Whilst working in the butchers, my grandad became ill with prostate cancer and in my spare time I helped to look after him. This set me on my path to wanting a career in care work.”

From there, Claire joined a nursing home where she worked for two years before transitioning into domiciliary care, and eventually found her passion in supported living.

“After a month, I decided that supported lifestyles is where my passion was and have never looked back.”

Becoming a Good Leader, One Qualification at a Time

Having already completed her Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Claire set her sights even higher with Realise - enrolling onto the Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care to strengthen her leadership skills and broaden her knowledge.

“I wanted to improve my knowledge and skills further and be able to become a good leader to my team and mentor.”

Claire particularly enjoyed the topics about learning and understanding her role better, to support clients with a range of neurodiversity challenges.

Claire’s Trainer, Lyn shares:

“Claire worked so hard to achieve her Level 4 Lead Practitioner award. In the time Claire worked with me, it was very apparent how passionate she was about her role and how she applies this to day-to-day practice, putting her clients at the centre of everything that she does.

Claire embraced every target and goal that I set to her and always put 100% into everything that she did. On the run-up to Claire’s end point assessment, I was able to support Claire with the preparation for this and ensure that she achieved the grade she wanted. Claire had informed me that she wanted to achieve a distinction for her overall award grade, and I am so proud to say she achieved this. Claire, you have worked so hard to achieve your distinction grade and I am going to miss working with you. We have discussed about Claire progressing onto her Level 5 award in time and I would be very happy to support Claire with achieving this.”

Now a Senior Support Worker at Continuum Care, Claire thrives in a role that’s dynamic, person-centred, and impactful.

“One thing I love about my job is not one day is the same.”

“On a typical day, I handle medication and finances, complete paperwork, communicate with external health professionals, arrange appointments for my client, support healthy friendships for my client… and ensure my team is working within CQC standards and are supported to work together to support my client to live his best life and be independent.”

Claire credits the course for not just building her knowledge but transforming her confidence.

“I would not have the confidence I now have to be able to be a leader for my team and share the knowledge I have gained with others.”

An Inspiration to Reach for the Stars

Claire is now actively mentoring others and supporting fellow senior support workers to complete their qualifications.

“I plan to support other seniors who are working towards completing their Level 4 Diploma.”

Her passion for continuous development is infectious. She reflects regularly, encourages others to enrol, and sees learning as a lifelong process.

“I take on a lot more self-reflection inside and outside of work, which I feel helps me to continuously improve to be a better person and to learn from my mistakes.”

“I have encouraged all of my team to think about enrolling for their Level 3 Diploma as I have gained so much confidence within my role and have a greater understanding of why we work the way we do to be able to support our clients in the best way we know.”

Congratulations, Claire!

From all of us at Realise, congratulations to Claire for her unwavering commitment to learning, her dedication to leadership, and her passion for care. She is a shining example of the difference that high-quality training and personal determination can make.

Ready to progress in your care career?

If you’re inspired by Claire’s journey and want to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to move forward in your role, our Level 3 and Level 4 Adult Care Diplomas can help you get there.

Achieve your potential. Lead with purpose. Learn with Realise.