Meet some of our apprentices

Our award-winning apprenticeship programme encourages aspiring and enthusiastic people from all walks of life to join us and provides new training opportunities for existing colleagues to upskill on the job.

Meet some of our the people who have chosen to undertake an apprenticeship with us.

John Brooks

John Brookes (18), started working at Anchor’s Harden Hall care home in Coalpool Lane in October 2018 as an apprentice Catering Assistant. He has since excelled through the ranks to his newly appointed role as Deputy Kitchen Manager.
 
In 2020, he won Anchor’s Apprentice of the Year Award 2020, and further to this, was entered into a national competition run by National Apprenticeship Service, where he is vying against apprentices from across the country. 

Originally I wanted to go to college, but it wasn’t really for me. I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted a hands-on experience. I did not know that I would end up working in a care home but now I would not change it at all. I wanted to give something back to the older generation because they’ve done so much for us. If it wasn’t for those people, the majority of us wouldn’t be here today.

I love that Anchor has plenty of opportunities, not only for younger people, but also for existing colleagues of all ages. There are some great career pathways and support is offered all along the way. We now have a new apprentice catering assistant at Harden Hall and I am so proud I can take him under my wing and pass on my knowledge and experience, supporting him through his apprenticeship.

 

Nahean Choudhury 

Nahean Choudhury (18), has just started as an apprentice at Anchor’s customer service centre in Bradford. Her role is Customer Service Advisor within the Payments Advice Team, and her day to day tasks involve managing accounts, responding to customer queries and engaging with various colleagues across Anchor’s departments and sites. 

I chose an apprenticeship as I felt going to university wasn’t for me. I wanted to be a part of a real working environment while still having the support where needed, allowing me to gain essential experiences and a recognised qualification.
 
My experience at Anchor has been amazing so far. Everyone is really friendly, everybody is treated the same and you can always have a laugh. Your opinions are always heard, and the managers are very considerate and supportive, so you can easily approach them if you have a problem. I like the fact we have monthly reviews with our tutors and managers, which give us a chance to receive feedback, helping us understand what we’re good at and areas we need to improve on.

 

Graham Swanton

Graham is a Housing Service Improvement Manager at Anchor and is currently completing an Associate Project Manager Level 4 apprenticeship. The apprenticeship was offered to him as part of the next stage of his personal development, rather than as an entry level qualification.
 
Through Anchor’s approved training provider, Graham receives tailored support that enables him to work at a pace that suits him, complete assignments as part of his job, and balance the apprenticeship with looking after his two young children.

I would really advocate people to seriously consider apprenticeships as a development opportunity.
 
Apprenticeships have moved far beyond the stereotypical 'entry' form of qualification that many people may still associate them with. They can be built around the needs of the individual - I'm proof of that!

 

Kareiss Goodall

Kareiss joined Anchor’s Wellington Lodge care home in Manchester as an Apprentice Care Assistant and has now secured a permanent role as a Care Assistant. In 2020, she won the Anchor Hanover Rising Star of the Year Award for her work.

Everyone has been so supportive - I couldn’t wish for a better team. My role has been very varied, and I have felt valued as a team member from the start.
 
Since joining Anchor, I’ve spent a lot of time with residents, getting to know them and building up good relationships. 
 
I want to get as much experience as possible from Anchor and have my sights set on becoming a Team Leader and completing my Level 3 qualification. My long-term goal is to become a nurse and thanks to Anchor Hanover’s apprenticeship programme, I know this is achievable.

 

Deliah Mercy

Deliah is currently doing a Level 2 Adult Care worker Apprenticeship at Anchor’s Kerria Court care home in Birmingham. She is three months into the programme and loving it. 
 
Her role involves assisting residents to live a healthy life and delivering person-centred care in respect to each individual’s preferences, choices and beliefs. After completing her Level 2 qualification, she intends to proceed to Level 3, and eventually to Level 5 as a care home manager or apprentice trainer.

What I like about my apprenticeship is making a meaningful difference in people's life - having a conversation with them, sharing and making new experiences, doing craft works and making memories together.
 
My manager and colleagues are very supportive, and this has really made me feel at ease and safe at work.
 
Another thing I am so happy about is the diversity in the organisation. In my location alone we have so many colleagues and customers from different nationalities, races and religions. I enjoy talking with colleagues and residents and learning about their own cultures and what is important to them in their everyday lives.

I chose to do an apprenticeship because I get to learn new skills relevant to the job, gain experience and confidence, expand my knowledge and understanding, and also get the qualifications and diploma needed for my job role.

 

Becoming an Anchor Apprentice

You don’t need previous experience or qualifications to apply, just a caring nature and a genuine desire to improve the lives of older people.

If you want to earn while you learn and take your first step into a rewarding career read about some of our current vacancies below or register your interest with us today by emailing [email protected] to find out more.