Life after an Apprenticeship with ESC

Lois Cruttenden (21), former Level 2 and 3 Health & Social Care apprentice at East Sussex College, has continued to thrive in the industry since leaving the College and has now been promoted to a manager role at Elite Choice Healthcare!

After completing her Care Certificate and Level 2/Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care with ESC, Lois continued working for West Sussex-based Elite Choice Home Care and has progressed through a variety of established roles. Lois has recently been promoted to an Assistant Care Manager!

Speaking to the College following her time as an apprentice, Lois said, “I started working for Elite Choice Home Care in West Sussex at the age of 16 in 2018. Working in the social care industry was always something I wanted to do, however I struggled to find an employer who would accept anybody under the age of 18 and as I didn't yet hold a driving licence, this proved to be even more difficult. Elite choice gave me the chance to prove myself and hired me as an apprentice. Alongside this I was enrolled to start a NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care.

“I finished my Level 2 at the end of 2020 and was over the moon to get a Merit. Shortly after this I was promoted to Team Leader. However, I still wanted to further my knowledge within healthcare so promptly enrolled on the Level 3 Senior Clinical Diploma, which greatly enhanced my skills and comprehension. I was then lucky enough to receive another promotion to my current job role of Assistant Care Manager.”

Lois spoke to the College about her journey from an ESC apprentice to her current role. “The journey from apprentice to my current job role was so rewarding,” she said. “Having no previous care experience, I was supported by both the College and my employers who were encouraging and spent many hours guiding and providing me with the correct sources to fulfil my Apprenticeship and coursework. This has made me confident and competent in each of the roles that I have held in my time at Elite Choice.

“Elite Choice was incredibly passionate about furthering my skills and knowledge and ensured I was provided with adequate time during my working week, to complete my coursework. I feel incredibly lucky to have had hands-on experience that I could relate and transfer to my theory-based work. I met with an assessor from college on a monthly basis to go over my progress and support me with any areas I may have been struggling with.”

Embarking on an Apprenticeship opens up unique avenues for learning and development. Lois said, “I understand that not everyone learns from sitting in a classroom, and by doing an Apprenticeship, not only do you gain the textbook knowledge, but also the practical. Transferable skills such as communication, customer service and life skills are important in life and increase confidence within an individual. The other obvious bonus is you get paid to learn!”

Lois described her role in the industry as rewarding and was full of praise for her team. “Being an Assistant Care Manager for Elite Choice Home Care is so rewarding,” said Lois. “I get to support individuals returning home from hospital and using my skills and knowledge previously learnt during my diplomas, I can ensure our clients remain safe and independent within their own homes.

“The team I work within are second to none, and I try to support them by using the experience from both my job roles and Apprenticeships. We all share and work towards the same goal-leading the way in quality care!”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at East Sussex College, please click here.