A Sheffield woman has swapped a career in sales for a more rewarding role in health and social care – and now she’s completing a Level 4 apprenticeship to build on her success.

Sarah Fox is nearing the end of her Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeship with training provider Realise, having previously completed a Level 3 apprenticeship. She joined United Response in 2017, a charity supporting autistic people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

Now a Team Manager, Sarah says personal experiences inspired her career change.

“I had always worked in sales or retail and even ran my own business with my sister,” Sarah explained during National Apprenticeship Week. “While it was financially rewarding, it lacked meaning for me.

“When my parents received palliative care at home, I saw the difference that good support could make. That inspired me to pursue something more fulfilling. Having a nephew with autism and an intellectual disability, as well as a daughter who was diagnosed with autism during my time at United Response, has helped me better understand the challenges they face and how to support them.”

A mother-of-three and grandmother-of-two, Sarah didn’t expect to move into management so quickly.

“At first, I was hesitant when my manager suggested I take on a leadership role, but I eventually agreed,” she said. “A week later, the manager left, and I stepped in as interim manager.

“While I had management experience in retail, social care is very different. In sales, it’s about hitting targets, but now my focus is on keeping people safe and supporting them to live meaningful lives.”

Sarah had once planned to study graphic design at university but left education after becoming a mother just before her 19th birthday. Returning to learning later in life has been a positive experience.

“I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeships,” she said. “My tutor, Jo Pope, has been incredibly supportive and we’ve built a great working relationship. I even earned a distinction in my Level 3 course, and I’d love to move on to Level 5 in the future. I’ve always enjoyed learning.”

Realise’s Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeship is an 18-month program covering leadership, inclusive practice, and partnership working – all skills Sarah is putting into practice as she helps others thrive.

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com