We first met Anna in Skills Launchpad Plymouth at the end of her studies at university. Due to COVID, Anna had limited placement time and consequently her transition into employment was difficult.  

We discussed our support and other support within the city when she is job searching – from this Anna made a Universal Credit claim. Anna then enrolled onto the Care SWAP in collaboration with On Course South West – this was connected to the NHS & CARE city wide recruitment and training fair. During her time on the course, Anna was connected to an opportunity as a Support Worker and has since started her role.

Ashley was looking for a change of career. Recognising a passion for helping others, she started her role as a Care Assistant with Sanctuary Care and is working towards her NVQ 2 as well as becoming a moving and handling instructor.  

Ashley said:

“I have loved everything I do with Sanctuary Care and all the amazing people I work with and care for. I have learnt so much” 

Megan, who is a universal credit claimant was signposted to our Health and Care job shop in Skills Launchpad Plymouth by her work coach. We discussed the sector, the breadth of the sector and the current opportunities in the city right now. CV support was offered and we discussed the 111 call handler roles that are available in the city. This was then followed up by an email to Megan summarising the discussion with links to CV support, our jobs opportunity Padlet and NHS Jobs.  

Megan then submitted an application for the 111 call handler role and has been successful.

Starting as a Housekeeper with ICL, Kiri had the courage to try something new. She has since completed her Care Certificate and embarking on an NVQ 2 in Health and Social Care. 

Kiri said:

“I enjoy coming to work, it feels like everyone is part of a family”. 

Jack started at Achievement Training in September 2020: Jack enrolled on a study programme as a school leaver gaining qualifications in; Technical Award in Child Development and Care L2 and Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings.

Jack then moved on to a Traineeship in September 2021 studying, Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings as well as Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care. This course included a section which helps young people with Employability Skills. Jack did a few weeks of work experience placement at Animal Asia which he really enjoyed. This placement gave him experience of what it is like in a real working environment, which is key to learning the soft skills and behaviours needed to be successful in a job.

Jack then applied for a few apprenticeships in the health and social care sector and was pleased that after quite a bit of effort applying and not getting anywhere that he came across an apprenticeship at Colebrook South West. Jack commenced his L2 Diploma in Care which started in December 2022.

Jack has flourished in his role and is keen to make a life long career in Care - he works with adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs - he loves seeing the individuals achieve their goals and enjoys supporting them to have active happy lives. Jack is given lots of support from Colebrook SW, he has a great team of colleagues who offer advice and give continuous training, Now that he has experience in the role of a care worker , he feels confident and comfortable asking for support. Jack has recently been promoted to support worker plus and has more responsibilities.

Jack took Health and Social Care (HSC) as a GCSE subject - he said he was always good at that subject even when he wasn't doing so well in some of his other subjects mainly due to a bit of poor behaviour. He was one of only three boys who took HSC, the rest of the class being girls who could be a bit annoying at times! But being in this minority meant he felt like he stood out a bit from the rest, he had to be determined and say his advice to his younger self is - to stick at it

....and then the COVID 19 pandemic started just as Jack was in his final year, resulting in him not sitting any exams and only achieving low grades in maths and English, which he feels very disappointed about.

Jack is now working towards English and maths Functional Skills L2 (equivalent of GCSE Grade 4) as part of his L2 apprenticeship, which is the equivalent of five GCSEs. Jack's ongoing commitment to self-improvement is reflected in his effort to gain these skills which is not only beneficial in his current role but is also creating a strong foundation for his future career. Jack aspires to achieve the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship which is the equivalent of two A levels.

Jack's determination to overcome challenges and make a difference in the care sector is commendable. His journey serves as an inspiration for others, especially those who may have faced difficulties in their academic paths. Jack's success story demonstrates that with dedication and a passion for the work, individuals can achieve their career goals and find fulfilment in their chosen profession. His commitment to continuous learning and career advancement is setting a positive example for those around him.

We are all really happy for Jack - he is achieving, earning twice the normal apprenticeship salary and working in a job he truly loves.

We first met Richard in July 2024, when he met both Natalie and Jack at Devonport JCP. Richard was referred to Caring Plymouth to explore support roles within Health and Social Care, as he was not interested in front line or clinical roles.

Natalie and Jack completed a full skills assessment with Richard, discussing previous experience, skills, interests and barriers to work.

Due to an injury, Richard had to give up his self-employed position and was unsure of next steps.

Natalie discussed driving and portering roles at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) as a potential option. This gave Richard food for thought and he was able to digest the information and make an informed decision about next steps.

Natalie connected Richard to a driving role within the Research Department at UHP and Richard he secured himself an interview. The first step towards a new start!

Natalie met Alex in July 2024 at Old Tree Court Job Centre. Alex was referred to Caring Plymouth to explore support roles within Health and Social Care. He knew that he was not interested in front line or clinical roles, so needed to explore other options available to him.

Natalie completed a full skills assessment with Alex, discussing previous experience, skills, interests and barriers to work. Alex told Natalie of his previous job roles with NHS England and PCC, explaining the type of role he would like to go into. This was a great starting point to see what transferrable skills Alex had and how they could be utilised.

Natalie and Alex discussed many roles at University Hospital Plymouth (UHP). After discussion, Natalie sent Alex’s CV to UHP to see if there were any vacancies that Alex may be suitable for.

From this, Alex applied for and was successful at interview for the role of Project Support Manager. A fantastic achievement and amazing start to a whole new journey!

Maria came to the Health and Care Careers Showcase in October 2024, upon the recommendation of her Work Coach.

This was a great opportunity for Maria to engage with employers and training providers in the health and social care sector, and to discover options available to her.

Following the showcase event, Maria attended the Monday sector session at Skills Launchpad Plymouth. Here she was able to sign up for support from our Coordinator Natalie.

During this initial meeting they completed a full skills assessment together, discussing Maria’s previous experience, skills, interests, and barriers to work.

Following the Careers Showcase event and her initial meeting with Natalie, Maria was offered six different positions with six different companies, who exhibited at the showcase!

Natalie was able to support Maria in the decision making process around the job roles, and looks forward to following her recruitment journey!

Natalie met Yazzmin at Old Tree Court Job Centre, and during this initial meeting they completed a full skills assessment together, discussing Yazzmin’s previous experience, skills, interests, and barriers to work. 

Yazzmin spoke about her passion for giving back to the health care sector and wanting to start a career in the NHS. As a starting point, Natalie tasked Yazzmin with writing a brief about herself and thoughts on what she would like to do.

From their initial chat and Yazzmin’s brief, Natalie was able to share a full picture with Scarlett at University Hospitals Plymouth, who then offered Yazzmin an opportunity to interview at an upcoming Health Care Assistant Interview Day.

Yazzmin attended the interview and was offered a job within two-days. A fantastic achievement, particularly in such a short space of time!

Yazzmin said:

“In the space of just two weeks from my meeting with Natalie, I had been scheduled an interview and had the job offer come through. I really couldn’t have asked for better support to find the right job for me.’

Following a work coach referral in January 2025, Ambra met Natalie at Old Tree Court Job Centre. This was the initial step for her to explore all roles within the health and social care and childcare sectors.

Natalie completed a full skills assessment with Ambra, discussing her previous experiences, skills, interests and barriers to work. During this meeting Ambra shared her extensive experience within the sector in Guernsey, and from her home country of Italy.

Natalie and Ambra discussed working for a company called Thrive, who work specifically SEN schools. This sounded perfect for Ambra’s life commitments, and she felt that it would be a great fit for her.

Natalie sent Ambra’s CV to Ryan from Thrive and was able to give him a detailed background of Ambra’s work experience and transferrable skills.

The next week, Ambra had an interview with Ryan and has now started some shadow shifts at a local SEN school in Plymouth. A great outcome, with the chance to gain more experience!

In February, Joseph attended the Care SWAP Programme ran by On Course South West. The Care SWAP programme, is an initiative designed to provide valuable insights into the Health and Social Care sector, while equipping participants with essential qualifications.

Prior to starting the programme, each participant was carefully assessed for suitability and commitment. The goal was to ensure that every learner was fully prepared to engage with the course, and maximize the opportunities it offered.

A few weeks after completion of the Care SWAP Programme, Joseph was booked to meet with Home Life Carers at Devonport Job Centre. We were thrilled to hear that Joseph has been offered a position with them and is currently waiting for his DBS and start date.

A fantastic outcome, proving that an insight to the industry can really help to understand individual job roles, aswell as the sector itself.

Natalie first met Nyah at Old Tree Court Job Centre, where she conducted a comprehensive skills assessment. During this session, Natalie explored Nyah’s previous work experience, skills, interests, and any barriers she faces to employment.

Nyah was later invited to attend a mini careers fair hosted by Skills Launchpad Plymouth. The careers fair brought together five recruiting employers, and provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with potential employers, learn more about current job openings, and explore a variety of career paths.

During the careers fair, Nyah connected with Karrianne from the Big Picture Care Group. We are delighted that as a result of this meeting, Nyah has been offered a position with Clear Thinking Care and is currently progressing through the recruitment process. Fantastic news!