Whether you're thinking about starting a career in social care or looking to develop your skills, an apprenticeship with Choice Care is the ideal way to gain the knowledge and experience you need to succeed.
At Choice you'll be part of a structured programme, working alongside experienced staff to support adults with complex needs. We'll help you put everything you learn into practice, building your confidence in a professional environment. While you're with us, you'll be working towards a nationally-recognised qualification and you'll earn while you learn - on a full adult wage. Most importantly of all, throughout your apprenticeship, you'll be making a real and lasting difference to the people we support.
Many of our colleagues began their careers as apprentices, and we're committed to providing the same opportunities for the next generation. Today we're proud to employ over 100 apprentices across our organisation; bright young people building the foundations of a rewarding long-term career.
I've really surprised myself with how much I know. I've built on my knowledge without even realising it as I completed my work alongside my job, so it didn't feel like I was in formal education.
How it works
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over 16 and no longer in full time education. You don't need any formal qualifications to apply, we'll give you all the training necessary from the first day you join. Instead, what we look for is a keen interest in the social care sector, a caring and passionate nature, a positive, can-do attitude and great communication skills. You'll need to be adaptable and willing to learn, be prepared to be professional at all times and enjoy working as part of a team.
During your apprenticeship, we'll support you to achieve your Care Certificate, QCF Level 2 or above in Health and Social Care, and you'll also learn Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT.
To deliver the programme, we work with Lifetime Training, a leading independent apprenticeship training provider. After your initial induction period, when you'll learn key skills and get to know those you'll be working with, you'll be guided by a personal assessor, who'll meet with you regularly to monitor your progress and offer advice and support.
Apprenticeship placements last 12-18 months, after which you'll be fully-qualified and ready to build your career in social care.
We talk to Ellie, an Assistant Manager from one of our services about her Choice Care apprenticeship experience.
Why did you enrol on an apprenticeship at Choice Care?
I wanted to start a new career. I had always been interested in care and, in particular, mental health.
Can you tell us about your apprenticeship?
I started as an apprentice at Choice Care in 2018 at the age of 17 and completed my level 2 and achieved a distinction. I then went on to become a team leader and completed my level 3, I also achieved a distinction in this level. In November 2021 at the age of 20, I became assistant manager. I have just begun my level 5 and I am hoping to achieve a distinction again.
How have you found the experience?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the company.
How does your apprenticeship work on a day to day basis?
During my apprenticeship I was able to learn new skills whilst working on the floor. This allowed me to develop my knowledge and complete my work using examples I had experienced on the job. I was able to balance my time and studying. This was made possible by my manager giving me dedicated hours to complete my course work.
Do you think the apprenticeship is helping you on your career pathway? I believe the new skills and knowledge I learnt whilst completing my level 2 and 3 really helped me in taking on new roles within the company. I am excited to start my level 5 to further enhance my skills and knowledge, to help me develop and progress in my current role as assistant manager.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I am excited to complete my level 5 and to boost my knowledge and develop my management skills further. In the short term, I would like to step up from assistant manager to deputy manager. In regards to the longer term, I would like to gain some more experience in management roles and then progress to manager.
During my time with the company, I have also become a PROACT-SCIP trainer. With this I have enhanced my knowledge in positive behaviour support and proactive approaches. Alongside this, I also started my level 3 in Education and Teaching, which has helped me to become more comfortable and confident in delivering training.
Would you encourage others to become a Choice Care apprentice?
Yes, I would certainly encourage others to become a Choice Care apprentice! I believe it allows staff to learn and develop new skills. It also helps staff to build confidence within their role.
Why did you enrol on an apprenticeship at Choice Care?
I wanted to start a new career. I had always been interested in care and, in particular, mental health.
Can you tell us about your apprenticeship?
I started as an apprentice at Choice Care in 2018 at the age of 17 and completed my level 2 and achieved a distinction. I then went on to become a team leader and completed my level 3, I also achieved a distinction in this level. In November 2021 at the age of 20, I became assistant manager. I have just begun my level 5 and I am hoping to achieve a distinction again.
How have you found the experience?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the company.
How does your apprenticeship work on a day to day basis?
During my apprenticeship I was able to learn new skills whilst working on the floor. This allowed me to develop my knowledge and complete my work using examples I had experienced on the job. I was able to balance my time and studying. This was made possible by my manager giving me dedicated hours to complete my course work.
Do you think the apprenticeship is helping you on your career pathway? I believe the new skills and knowledge I learnt whilst completing my level 2 and 3 really helped me in taking on new roles within the company. I am excited to start my level 5 to further enhance my skills and knowledge, to help me develop and progress in my current role as assistant manager.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I am excited to complete my level 5 and to boost my knowledge and develop my management skills further. In the short term, I would like to step up from assistant manager to deputy manager. In regards to the longer term, I would like to gain some more experience in management roles and then progress to manager.
During my time with the company, I have also become a PROACT-SCIP trainer. With this I have enhanced my knowledge in positive behaviour support and proactive approaches. Alongside this, I also started my level 3 in Education and Teaching, which has helped me to become more comfortable and confident in delivering training.
Would you encourage others to become a Choice Care apprentice?
Yes, I would certainly encourage others to become a Choice Care apprentice! I believe it allows staff to learn and develop new skills. It also helps staff to build confidence within their role.
How to find out more
To find out more about apprenticeships at Choice Care, and current opportunities across our services, please get in touch with our Careers Team:
