Young caterer at Harden Hall care home wins top apprenticeship award

A catering assistant from a care home in Walsall has beaten off competition to win the Apprentice of the Year Award 2020.

John Brookes, 18, who started working at Anchor’s Harden Hall in Coalpool Lane in October 2018, was presented with a trophy and certificate this week.

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

John said he felt proud of being named Anchor’s top apprentice but added it had only been possible thanks to the support from other members of staff at Harden Hall. He said:

I joined up as an apprentice in a care home because I wanted to give something back to the older generation who have done so much for this country. I wanted to take good care of them so their families knew they were in good hands.

I really enjoy my job and working as an apprentice has taught me so much.

I’m glad I started at Harden Hall as the residents and staff make you feel a valued member of the team! And this has been so important during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has been tough but we’ve all pulled hard together to look after each other and to keep our residents safe. Thankfully, we’ve not had anyone get ill due to coronavirus.

But the lockdown has been difficult for the residents, especially those living with dementia, so that’s why I’ve been keen to make a fuss of them whenever they celebrate their birthdays or we have a party. Such activities really brighten up the mood in the home.

Paula Borland, Anchor’s Leadership and Talent Manager, praised John for all his work. She said:

John has shown commitment and dedication not only to his learning journey as an apprentice, but to his colleagues and more importantly our residents. He really does think of how he can use his skills and talents to benefit them.

One thing that stood out in his application was that although ideas and tasks are carried out by John, he always refers to the success as a team effort. 

He exemplifies how working within the care sector is much more varied than is realised and 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.