Sheffield Children’s colleagues complete Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support worker apprenticeships despite the odds

In January 2019 Laura Hall, Liz Parker, Jo Wood, Chris Mellor and Tracy Mason started on their two and a half year journey to gain a Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support worker apprenticeship with Barnsley College. We’re incredibly proud to announce that they have completed their qualification! 

Alongside the apprenticeship which involved lectures, assignments and on the job training, some of our colleagues also gained Level 2 Maths and English qualifications and care certificates. This was all taking place while they continued to carry out their work at Sheffield Children’s.

Due to the pandemic, studying took a little longer and was very challenging at times but they all persevered making it an even bigger accomplishment. Anne-Marie Lynch, Apprentice and Work Experience Co-ordinator said: “This is such an amazing achievement, their perseverance throughout the different challenges including COVID was very inspiring. Well done and congratulations!”

Liz Parker had been out of education for a number of years and was a band two support worker when she first embarked on her studies. She then secured a band 3 role while she was studying and went on to achieve a distinction in her apprenticeship. Liz said: “At the beginning, I thought to myself, I’m never going to be able to do this and look at me now.

“It was all so challenging, balancing studying and working throughout the pandemic but it was completely worth it!”

A huge congratulations to Laura, Liz, Jo, Chris and Tracy, what an amazing effort and we’re excited to see what the future brings with their new qualifications!