Putting learning into practice

Weena is a Team Leader at one of our residential services for people with learning disabilities.

I started working for Milestones in January 2020 as an unsupervised support worker. The application process was so smooth. I applied for a job and the next day I had an interview. And the day after that I was sent a contract. It reassured me to know that Milestones was a really professional company.

As soon as I started working here, I felt really well supported. We work together as a team and the service has a family feel. My manager is especially supportive. I’m a mum, and she’s very flexible and understanding about me needing to balance work with childcare.

There are lots of training opportunities available to staff. In November last year, I started a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. This is a nationally-recognised qualification for people working in social care, and the course is fully funded by Milestones, which shows they’re really invested in my professional development.

I wanted to do the Level 3 Diploma to help me to feel more confident with supporting people in the right way. The course will benefit me as well as people we support. I can also pass on my knowledge to other staff and become a good mentor to people who also want to enrol on the course.

I’ve already learnt a lot from the course. It’s taught me how to work more professionally with colleagues and people we support, as well as their family and friends. I have a personal development plan, which I review regularly through one to one support from my tutor.

The course allows you to choose optional units in areas where you would particularly like to improve your understanding. I’ve decided to learn more about supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism and diabetes, as I support people like this at my service.

Doing this course has helped me to understand the skills I need. The great thing is that, because I’m working while I study, I have the opportunity to put these new skills into practice right away.

Joining Milestones as an apprentice gives you the chance to earn while you learn. Like Weena, you could gain professional qualifications that give you the opportunity to progress to more senior roles. Becoming an Apprentice Support Worker is a great option if you’re new to the social care sector and are looking to develop your skills and knowledge.

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