Learning the skills for a career in Care
Aimee Empson, 19, from Bicester, is doing an Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship at Fairfield Residential Care Home, in Oxford, which she has recently started after completing her Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Aimee was recently recognised for her dedication to her field by winning the Apprentice of the Year Award in the Thames Valley Business & Community Awards in February.
After finding the apprenticeship on the Government’s website, Aimee decided to pursue her desire to work in adult care.
“I always knew I wanted to work in care as a career and when I found Fairfield, I was overjoyed, knowing I could help individuals” Aimee explains.
“My grandparents inspired me to choose this career. Before I started at Fairfield, I would help my grandparents around the house and I loved seeing their faces, knowing I helped them, and that was my aim for the residents at Fairfield.”
“I am learning how to care for residents and meet their individual needs and wishes. I really enjoy working at Fairfield because I learn new things every day and I feel that I am developing in my learning.”
Getting equipped for her career
Aimee believes that her apprenticeship has put her a step ahead in her career.
“When I first started, I had no training and no idea about the individuals’ cares and needs” Aimee explains.
“After just one year at Fairfield, I have developed so much. I know how to do manual handling and personal care confidently and am able to support individuals. This has taught me life skills, and I have advanced knowledge of working in Adult Care.”
“I am learning about person-centred care. This benefits my role by giving me better knowledge and skills to help the individual.”
Enjoying working in Adult Care
Aimee is enjoying working in Adult Care and getting to know the residents who she looks after through her apprenticeship.
“I enjoy learning new skills every day and developing my learning,” Aimee explains. “I enjoy how I can get to know the individuals, what they like and about their life. “
“I have enjoyed learning about individuals and their wants, needs and wishes, how some individuals’ needs and wants are different to others. I also enjoy how I can support them and provide up-to-standard care.”
Future aspirations
Aimee is working towards fulfilling her career aspirations through her apprenticeship.
“This apprenticeship has already and will continue to help me with my journey and career,” Aimee explains.
“In the future, I would like to be a nurse, and with my learning, I am developing so many skills and learning about end of life and dementia and Alzheimer’s and much more.”
“I have been doing training in my workplace that has helped me develop and overcome fears or worries. It has helped me be more confident, but also it has added value to my role for the future.”
Inspiring others
Aimee is eager to encourage others to pursue an apprenticeship.
“To anyone considering doing an apprenticeship, I would say do it,”Aimee encourages.
“You learn so much more from an apprenticeship and it can be more joyful. You can do practical and written work, and you meet so many new people along the way “
“I don’t regret the path I have chosen, and I can thank Fairfield for that; it is unreal what you can learn from doing an apprenticeship, and I’m so happy that I have found the apprenticeship I love.”
An award-winning apprentice
Aimee won the Apprentice of the Year Award in the Thames Valley Business & Community Awards.
She collected her award at a special ceremony on Friday, 28 February, held at The Hilton in Reading.
This award recognises her immense effort, passion and dedication to the field of adult care and her success as an apprentice.
After collecting her award, Aimee said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won this award! It means so much to me and represents a significant milestone in my journey”
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my managers, mentors and my Performance Coach for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my apprenticeship. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have been invaluable.”
“Being recognised in this way is truly humbling, and I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award. It’s a bit overwhelming, but I’m motivated to continue striving for excellence and to contribute positively in my field and look forward to starting my Level 3 apprenticeship in adult care.”
Both Aimee’s manager and Performance Coach were incredibly proud of her.
Jo Bennett, Assistant Manager at Fairfield Residential Home, said: “Aimee joined Fairfield straight from school as an apprentice, nervous but eager to learn.”
“We are so proud of her achievements. She has worked tirelessly to enhance her abilities, gain confidence and realise her potential.”
“We cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award. Well done Aimee, you are a joy and credit to the home.”
Andrea Blackmore, Performance Coach at Activate Apprenticeships, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Aimee to win this award!”
“She has achieved so much in such a short time, and her dedication and hard work truly deserve all the praise.”
” has been a pleasure to support and watch her grow, and I look forward to continuing this journey with her as she embarks on her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Adult Care.”
Find out more about Adult Care apprenticeships.
