Beth is currently working at a company called Lifeways supporting four individuals who have learning disabilities. She is completing a Level 2 Health & Social Care diploma funded through the Nightingale Bursary. To read her full story, please read below:
Why did you decide to do a Health & Care course?
I have always had a keen interest in health and social care, holding down two jobs linked to the sector. I wanted to be able to expand my skills and knowledge so I could understand more about what I was doing in my role. After graduating university in July 2020, I was in and out of employment and using most of my time to complete online courses. When starting the support worker job, I found that I only knew what was needed to support the four individuals I work with on a daily basis. I found I was missing the educational aspect as I have always been in education or doing online courses during summer holidays or after graduation. After finding out that I was able to do my NVQ through the nightingale bursary, I immediately felt like the missing piece of my educational jigsaw was complete.
What are your career goals? What would you like to do after your studies?
Eventually I would like to move up the employment ladder and hold a team leader role within the service that I work for. I have always had a keen interest in management and supervisor roles as I was previously a unit manager for St. John Ambulance and currently hold the title of Project Lead through the employment of St. John Ambulance. After completing my NVQ level 2 I would like to move on to complete my level 3 and probably keep going.
What is one thing you are proud of that you have achieved whilst completing your course?
I have learnt many things while completing level 2, and it has helped me with my time organisation as well as being able to prioritise things.
Doing the course has opened my eyes to a lot more information that is out there relating to not only my service, but other services out there in the health and social care.
We’d like to know more about you outside of your studies, tell us about your hobbies, interests…
I have many interests and hobbies, a lot of which revolves around the health and social care sector. I have volunteered my time as a first aider through St. John Ambulance and now teach young people skills and knowledge they need in the health sector. I enjoy helping people and putting others first, which has been a sole part of my life since I was a young child. Unrelating to my studies in the health and social care course, I have a degree in fashion and textiles and a keen interest in the practical area of interior design such as making curtains, cushions and blinds as well as painting and decorating. I have been able to use my degree in this area while at work with lifeways, including arts and crafts with service users and I have recently decorated a bathroom from scratch and made a pair of curtains for the new summer house they have purchased for the garden.
The Nightingale Care Bursary enables everyone to access Health & Social Care courses and qualifications for FREE. So, whether you’re looking to start a new and fulfilling career in care or want to upskill – we can support you! If you are a health and care provider, you can also access the bursary to support staff training and development opportunities.
- Training courses & Qualifications
- Fast-track management
- Financial help & support
- Apprenticeships