How long have you been with Riverside?

I have been with Riverside at Laurel Court for over 7 years. Laurel Court is a supported living service for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Over the years I have built up my confidence in my role and showed great willing towards my learning and development.

Tell us more about your apprenticeship

I have recently completed my Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker. This took me approximately 1 year to complete. I completed this in January 2023, and I am awaiting my end result for this qualification and certification for this.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

I wanted to complete this qualification as I feel it will help me in the future with my role, this also gave me the knowledge and confidence to progress further. The qualification gave me a better understanding of the client group I support and helps me with my day-to-day tasks.

How have you found balancing your work and studies?

I managed to complete most of my qualifications questions when on shift, as most of the questions asked were about my role it made it easier to complete these. As I work part time, I was also able to complete some of my NVQ at home. I managed to balance this really well and management helped when I needed to do my final assessment as I needed to use a laptop for this.

What has been the biggest benefit from the qualification?

I think the biggest benefit for me is that it has helped me with my confidence and knowledge of the role. It has made me think outside the box a little and has helped me when putting what I have learnt into practice.

What are your future career aspirations?

In the future I would like to complete my nursing. I have always wanted to do this, and I feel now is the right time to look into it. 

“I have worked with Riz for almost four years now. Riz has always shown willing to progress further in her role but has been put off by her confidence. I think this qualification has given her the push in the right direction to step out of her comfort zone and follow the path she wishes to take, this being her nursing degree.”

Hannah, Service Manager and Riz’s manager