Gareth started out working as a team leader at a large Health and Social Care organisation in Manchester.
His employer saw a potential for Gareth to progress and so he was quickly promoted. Gareth then became a Service Manager, a role where he had responsibility for several supported living accommodations.
Gareth enjoyed being a Service Manager, but he had always dreamt of becoming a Registered Manager – a highly accountable leadership role which has legal responsibilities for meeting the requirements of relevant regulations and enactments.
Registered Managers are required to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and they are subject to regular checks.
The CQC instructs that Registered Managers must have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience required for their role. Furthermore, they should be working towards an appropriate qualification as advised by Skills for Care, such as the Level 5 Diploma for Health and Social Care.
So when his employer presented the opportunity to complete a Level 5 qualification in Health and Social Care with Realise, he jumped at the chance. Gareth explained: “The only way I could achieve my goal was to gain experience and complete my Level 5 Diploma, so that’s what I chose to do with Realise.”
The training that Gareth undertook was a 12-month apprenticeship programme. Throughout his training, he was supported and taught by Training & Development Officer, Michelle Green.
Reflecting on the training he received, Gareth said: “My experience with Realise was excellent. Michelle supported me through each stage of the process, even outside of office hours. Not only was there support, but there was also knowledge passed on that was invaluable to my learning – I could not recommend Realise any higher!”
Michelle Green, Training and Development Officer at Realise, said: “Gareth was always a very proactive learner. He consistently produced a high standard of work despite being extremely busy.”
Gareth completed his apprenticeship in 2019 but has continued to keep in contact with Michelle ever since. Michelle told us: “I am still in contact with Gareth whether it be to give advice or have a chat, it is great to be able to support him!”
Gareth on the support he received from Realise
Gareth talking about the benefits of doing an apprenticeship
In February 2020, Gareth started working at Rainbow Personnel, an organisation specialising in residential care homes and supported living services.
In the same year, after completing his registration and interview with the CQC, he made his dream a reality, becoming an official Registered Manager.
Gareth is now thriving in his new role and regularly uses the skills and knowledge gained from his apprenticeship. Gareth said: “The Level 5 qualification has helped me to develop in all areas of my role, and my confidence. I would not have been able to succeed as a Registered Manager without the knowledge and learning from my apprenticeship.”
The training has also positively impacted others. Gareth explains: “I can now create positive memories for the people I support and lead my team to do the same.
“Every day is different and presents new challenges and our work has a huge impact on others. I help to empower the people I support so they can experience new opportunities.
“Additionally, I’ve been able to hire a service manager with a similar career background as myself, this is something I am very proud of.”
Contact Realise to find out how completing a level 5 health and social care apprenticeship could not only help you achieve your full potential but also empower you to do the same for others.