Anchor’s apprenticeship scheme has been rated the best in the country

Anchor has come top in the Rate My Apprenticeship Award, beating the likes of Virgin Media, Deloitte, Land Rover and BAE Systems to be rated the best in the country.

The award saw apprentices from across the UK rate their apprenticeship, basing their views on how valued they feel, the support they get on programme, development opportunities and how much they earn.

Katie Rankin, Anchor’s Qualifications & Apprenticeships Manager, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to be voted the number one employer of apprentices, especially as it is our apprentices’ feedback which has got us there.

“We’re passionate about developing future talent, giving young people the opportunity to gain new skills and make a real difference to older people’s lives.  We’re extremely proud of all of our apprentices; they inspire us and make us proud every day.

“I would like to thank all of the care homes and teams who have supported apprentices to date, with more than 55 of our 120 care homes and three offices supporting an apprentice so far. We know that this programme helps to develop young people into fantastic carers and is a very worthwhile investment to support us into the future.”

The Anchor Apprenticeship Academy gives young people opportunities to combine learning with hands on experience working in their care home. There have been five cohorts of apprentices since June 2015 with 50 apprentices having secured a permanent role within Anchor. The apprentices can either work in one of Anchor’s care homes or in the support teams in the charity’s main offices in Bradford, London or Newcastle.

Anchor launched its apprenticeships’ scheme as part of its drive to professionalise the care sector as well as addressing the shortfall of one million carers needed to look after the country’s older people by 2025. At present only 10% of young people work in care.

Pearl Thomas, 20, who works at Birkenhead Court care home in Challis Street, Birkenhead, said it was no surprise the apprenticeship, which she graduated from earlier this month (October), had received such an accolade.

Pearl said: “I have learnt so much about how to deal with different situations and I now have the confidence to provide the best care possible.

“I enjoy my job and have a great sense of achievement that I am helping and giving back to those who sacrificed a lot in their life.

“I would recommend care to young people as you can learn so much. A downside to the job is seeing the difficulties older people have living with dementia or arthritis, but as a carer I can support them so they live life to the fullest.”