Young carer wins top apprenticeship award

A carer from a care home in Cheetham Hill has beaten off competition from other apprentices to win the Rising Star of the Year Award 2020.

Kareiss Goodall, 18, who started working at Anchor’s Wellington Lodge in Waterloo Road in October 2018, was presented with a trophy and certificate this week.

She will now be entered into a national competition run by National Apprenticeship Service vying against apprentices from across the country.

Kareiss has become a key member of staff at Wellington Lodge, having been taken on as a care assistant as soon as she completed her course work. She quickly became an activities champion, organising many popular events, including armchair exercises and art therapy sessions.

She also organised donations from staff and residents for a local foodbank so that disadvantaged families in the community could get help.

Kareiss said she felt proud of her award but added it had only been possible thanks to the support from other members of staff at Wellington Lodge.

I was really surprised to receive the award. It means a lot because it’s nice to be recognised and appreciated for my hard work.

Older people have done so much for society when they were younger so I wanted to give something back. Working in care has given me the opportunity to develop as a person and help society’s most vulnerable people.

Every day is different and I feel I’m making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of the residents living here.

Thankfully, we’ve had no cases of Covid-19 at Wellington Lodge but working here has been challenging during the lockdown. But I’m proud that we have all pulled together as a team so our residents are happy and still receive good quality care.

Paula Borland, Anchor’s Leadership and Talent Manager, praised Kareiss for all his work:

What stands out about Kareiss is her enthusiastic, bubbly attitude and her ability to create a positive vibe.

She has been proactive in increasing activities in the home which has made a huge difference to the well-being of the residents. Kareiss understands what it takes to make a difference in people’s lives and I look forward to watching her grow and progress.

She exemplifies how working within the care sector is much more varied than is realised and how it can be exceptionally fulfilling.

In the last two years, The Anchor Hanover Apprenticeship Programme has grown by 300% with apprentices obtaining qualifications in care, catering, customer service and administration roles – and the numbers are still growing. Paula added:

The apprentice programme has brought so much in the way of new ideas and talented individuals right at the start of what we hope to be long and successful careers.

The hands-on nature of learning through apprenticeships is great for those wondering what it would be like to work in the care sector. Our awards have highlighted true success stories.