Lancashire trainer has UK first in higher apprenticeship

Via Training, Leyland, has been notified that two of its learners have become the first in the country to receive their Higher Apprenticeship in Adult Social Care with specialist pathway.

Paulina Bidowaniec, Chorley and Rebecca Davis, Warrington, were awarded merits for this unique Higher Apprenticeship with higher education specialist pathway. For both women, this meant that during their one year of challenging study, they also achieved a university higher diploma and are now aiming to progress to a full degree from September.

Paulina said: “I choose the higher apprenticeship route to learn to become the best in my job role and to gain new skills from a trainer who would support me all the way during my study. It also gave me great opportunities for the future. Via Training is a specialist in the industry are easily accessible for staff. Close collaboration with Via Training benefits students and employer”.

Paulina’s employer, Dalesview Partnership said: “We are proud to employ a deputy manager who demonstrates such drive and enthusiasm. This has enabled her to achieve such a prestigious qualification which enhances the standard of support received by our service users, all of whom have a severe learning disability”.

The Higher Apprenticeship is a clear progression route for employees working at supervisory level and those progressing from the Advanced Apprenticeship in Social Care with an increase in their job responsibilities.

The Higher Apprenticeship in Adult Social Care is based on the City & Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and is supported by Skills For Care, the workforce development body for adult social care in England. In addition, the learners undertook two specialist modules through distance learning to gain the Middlesex University Higher Diploma in Professional Practice in Leading & Managing Care Services.

Bernadette Bennett, Via Training’s Assessor said: “Both candidates have worked fastidiously to achieve this innovative qualification and I am extremely proud of their success. Via Training is able to help apprentices progress qualifications as their career advances, offering Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships. We are there from the first rung on the ladder to top management and both individuals and employers can work with us at any time.” Apprenticeships in adult social care ensure that people who work in the sector, and those that employ them, have the skills and qualifications to deliver high quality care and support. With the country’s growing ageing population, quality adult care training is even more imperative.