It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and we’re looking at some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are an alternative route to a successful and fulfilling career. With a whole host of training programs available for our current staff, there’s a vast range of routes to take to elevate your career with City & County.
Let’s jump straight into it.
Myth: Apprentices leave after completing their apprenticeship
Myth Buster: Ninety percent of apprentices remain with the employer after the completion of their mandated coursework. Employers are not obligated to offer permanent employment afterward; they have the discretion to make an employment decision that is best for the business. At City & County Healthcare Group our apprentices are already colleagues and therefore stay with us after.
Myth: It involves extensive paperwork
Myth Buster: The paperwork for registering for an apprenticeship program is simple. Under normal circumstances, the interested candidate has to complete a digital form and submit it electronically. All the data is organised in one place and your apprenticeship is mainly completed online utilising the providers e-Learning system.
Myth: The Apprentice has no control over the programme
Myth Buster: An apprenticeship programme is never set in stone. Workplace needs are ever-changing. However, it is likely that opportunities will arise during, and at the conclusion of, the apprenticeship. The apprentice will have a say in how their apprenticeship is formed and the learning styles that fit each individual.
Myth: I will just be making tea
Myth Buster: An apprenticeship is a valuable opportunity to receive practical training and learn skills in a formal business environment. Companies offering apprenticeships adhere to strict guidelines. They keep the apprentice busy with work you would be employed in the position you are training towards, and you would be doing the actual job alongside studying.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for young people
Myth Buster: There is no upper age limit for apprenticeship training. We have apprentices ranging from age 17 to 76 currently completing apprenticeship programmes within the City & County Healthcare Group. Anyone aged 16 and over can enrol onto an apprenticeship.
Myth: Apprentices are poorly paid
Myth Buster: The National Apprenticeship Salary is currently 5.28 per hour; however, City & County Group pay our apprentices as if they were a normal colleague and then National Minimum Wage for their age category.
If you are already employed by City & County Group and start an apprenticeship programme, there will be no changes to your contract or salary.
You will be earning a wage and receive your training at no cost to yourself.
Myth: I can’t do an apprenticeship and work full -time
Myth Buster: Apprenticeship are a vocational way to train and are completed alongside your current job role. No need to take career breaks or leave employment to train. Apprenticeships are also fully funded so won’t cost you a penny! You will need to complete some of the academic work in your own time.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for the construction or trade industry
Myth Buster: This is no longer the case and hasn’t been for a while. There is a wide breadth of apprenticeship training available across all sectors of our workforce e.g. Finance, I.T, Business Administration, Customer Service, Management, Dental, HCA’s, Nursing Associates, Occupational Therapists and Physios to name a few! New apprenticeship standards are in development all the time.
Myth: Apprenticeships don’t offer the same job opportunities as degrees
Myth Buster: There are numerous apprenticeship pathways available which lead to degree level roles. Apprenticeships can be just as valuable and open up as many opportunities as a degree. Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE) up to Level 7 (Master’s Degree). City & County Healthcare Group currently support 17 different types of apprenticeships.
Myth: Apprenticeships are for the less academic and people who don’t do well at school
Myth Buster: Absolutely not! Apprenticeships can be just as challenging and rewarding as traditional GCSE, A-Level and Degree study programmes. We currently have over 370 apprentices undertaking apprenticeship training from Level 2 (GCSE) right up to Level 7 (Master Degree) level
Myth: Apprenticeships don’t lead to good qualifications
Myth Buster: There are clear progression routes for apprentices to enable you to attain degrees through the apprenticeship programme.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for new staff to the business – existing staff don’t qualify
Myth Buster: A majority of our apprentices are staff who are already employed by City & County Healthcare Group. They are making the most of funded apprenticeship training to upskill, pursue promotion or a change of career within the group.
Myth: Apprentices only do menial or low skilled work – apprenticeships are not proper jobs
Myth Buster: Apprentices follow clear training criteria and competencies which involves key tasks and play an important role within their teams. Apprentices start effectively contributing to their job role from day one.
Myth: Apprenticeships are low-quality training options
Myth Buster: The new Apprenticeship Standards launched in 2017 have been designed to improve the quality of apprenticeships and many include professional qualifications e.g. We have 4 staff who are undertaking CIPD apprenticeships.
We hope these myth busters put some of those daunting thoughts to bed.
Looking to join one of the most rewarding industries out there? Visit cch.careers for more information about out current vacancies.
Welcome aboard: New leadership in the North West
We are thrilled to welcome three exceptional regional leaders to CCH Group, each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to our vision of building the best place to work in care.
Haroon Sajid joined us on Monday, 19th August, as our new Regional Operations Director for the North West. Haroon is set to bring his extensive operational expertise and dedication to enhancing our services across the region. His leadership will be key in building a culture where our teams are empowered and supported to deliver the very best care.
Samantha Quinn, who is already a vital part of our family, has been promoted to Area Manager for the North West and started in her new role on 12th August. Reporting to Haroon, Samantha’s journey with us has been marked by her commitment to our values and ‘people first’ ethos. We are excited to see Samantha continue to inspire her teams and contribute to our shared mission.
Finally, Jenny Booth joined us as Area Manager for the North West on Monday, 12th August. Jenny is already making a positive impact. Her focus on nurturing our teams and ensuring the highest standards of care will be invaluable as we continue to grow.
Together, Haroon, Samantha, and Jenny will play a crucial role in driving our vision forward and growing our services across the North West of England. Welcome to the team – we’re all excited to be on this journey with you.
Thelma Akpakpa’s impact at Bristol Court
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the outstanding leadership of Thelma Akpakpa, the manager at Bristol Court Extra Care scheme in London. Her dedication to putting people first is making a significant impact to life at the scheme, and her efforts are being rightfully recognised.
When Thelma stepped into her role at Bristol Court, she brought a passion for change and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our tenants. In just a few short months, she has led with both courage and compassion that has not gone unnoticed – the team at the local authority sharing these kind words that highlight Thelma’s impact:
“We would like to acknowledge that Thelma has been an exceptional interim manager at Bristol Court, bringing about noticeable positive changes in just a few months. Thank you for your hard work and for supporting the scheme so effectively.”
We’re incredibly proud of the work Thelma has done, and it’s clear that her efforts are reinforcing Bristol Court’s reputation as a place where care and compassion thrive.
It’s dedicated individuals like Thelma, along with the entire team at Bristol Court, who truly make a difference at CCH Group. They embody our values, drive our mission, and help us build something truly special: the best place to work in care.
Julie Hunter joins CQC Advisory Group
The CQC is rolling out major changes to how they regulate health and social care providers, and Julie will be right in the middle of those important conversations. From new ways of registering and assessing providers to updating how quality is reported, the CQC’s new framework is all about making sure care standards are top-notch across the board.
Joining this advisory group means that CCH Group will have a direct hand in shaping these new regulations. Julie’s voice will help ensure that the changes are not only effective but also practical for providers like us who are dedicated to delivering the best care possible.
Julie’s involvement shows that we’re not just keeping up with industry standards – we’re helping to set them. Julie’s proud to be representing us, and we know she’ll bring her passion for quality care to the table, making a real difference for the entire sector.
Q&A: Top 10 Apprenticeship Questions
We’re halfway through National Apprenticeship Week, so we’re bringing you a very special Q&A on all things apprenticeships at City & County.
Let’s clear up a few things.
1) What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship includes:
2) Will an apprenticeship cost me any money?
The apprenticeship programme is free, City & County Healthcare Group will cover the cost utilising our apprenticeship levy. When you become an apprentice, you’ll need to cover the cost of your day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel as you would as a normal employee.
3) Who can do an apprenticeship at City and County?
Anyone aged 16 years old and above, there is no upper age limit. There are no formal qualifications needed to do an apprenticeship at City & County Healthcare Group. You must be employed by City & County Healthcare Group.
4) How long does an apprenticeship take?
The duration of an apprenticeship depends on the course being followed and the ability of the individual apprentice. An apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of apprenticeship, the apprentice’s ability and the industry sector. As a guide, an Intermediate Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 12 to 18 months and an advanced Level 3 apprenticeship around 24 months
5) What sort of apprenticeships are available for care staff?
We have a wide-ranging offer following our career pathway.
6) What sort of apprenticeships are available for non-care staff?
We have a very large offering for our non-care staff that is relevant to the function you work within. To provide a few examples of the apprenticeships on offer see below:
7) How is my apprenticeship assessed?
End-point assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship. It is an impartial assessment of whether you have developed the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard.
Assessments are designed by employers in the sector and are conducted by independent bodies known as end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs).
As well as successfully completing the EPA, you may need to complete several additional requirements before completion. This might include mandatory English and maths qualifications. Once all elements of the apprenticeship are completed, you will receive the apprenticeship certificate.
8) How will I be supported throughout my apprenticeship?
Managers that have people who enrol onto this programme will play an important part in their development. Managers will have access to the reports and portal’s where they can keep up to date with the progress of their learners who are on the programme. As a minimum, managers will be asked to complete checklists that log activities their learner has completed in the workplace and the extent to which they are competent in these activities. These checklists will be supported by the trainer and can be easily recorded on the Employer Portal.
9) Will I be given time off work to study for my apprenticeship?
Where it is a requirement for a learner to have a professional qualification to perform his/her job role, the company may support study, and allow appropriate time for exam preparation, balanced with workload. Eligibility for study support will be decided upon whether the qualification is essential to the job role. This is primarily relevant to professional roles e.g., surveying, finance, legal, HR and IT. This will be agreed between the learner and their line manager, depending on the apprenticeship they will undergo. This will be shown on the labour model under training hours.
10) What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
During an apprenticeship programme they will be working towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard. This is accredited by relevant industry regulatory bodies and will help further their understanding in the chosen career. Depending on the type of programme an apprentice enrols onto they may also have the chance to work towards QCF accredited diplomas and qualifications in Maths and English.
All-in-all, apprenticeships are a fantastic alternative route to progressing your career. City & County offers a whole host of apprenticeship programs for existing staff.
Interested in joining City & County? Visit cch.careers for more information about our current vacancies and training programs.
Apprenticeship Myth Busters! – NAW 2024
It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024 and we’re looking at some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are an alternative route to a successful and fulfilling career. With a whole host of training programs available for our current staff, there’s a vast range of routes to take to elevate your career with City & County.
Let’s jump straight into it.
Myth: Apprentices leave after completing their apprenticeship
Myth Buster: Ninety percent of apprentices remain with the employer after the completion of their mandated coursework. Employers are not obligated to offer permanent employment afterward; they have the discretion to make an employment decision that is best for the business. At City & County Healthcare Group our apprentices are already colleagues and therefore stay with us after.
Myth: It involves extensive paperwork
Myth Buster: The paperwork for registering for an apprenticeship program is simple. Under normal circumstances, the interested candidate has to complete a digital form and submit it electronically. All the data is organised in one place and your apprenticeship is mainly completed online utilising the providers e-Learning system.
Myth: The Apprentice has no control over the programme
Myth Buster: An apprenticeship programme is never set in stone. Workplace needs are ever-changing. However, it is likely that opportunities will arise during, and at the conclusion of, the apprenticeship. The apprentice will have a say in how their apprenticeship is formed and the learning styles that fit each individual.
Myth: I will just be making tea
Myth Buster: An apprenticeship is a valuable opportunity to receive practical training and learn skills in a formal business environment. Companies offering apprenticeships adhere to strict guidelines. They keep the apprentice busy with work you would be employed in the position you are training towards, and you would be doing the actual job alongside studying.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for young people
Myth Buster: There is no upper age limit for apprenticeship training. We have apprentices ranging from age 17 to 76 currently completing apprenticeship programmes within the City & County Healthcare Group. Anyone aged 16 and over can enrol onto an apprenticeship.
Myth: Apprentices are poorly paid
Myth Buster: The National Apprenticeship Salary is currently 5.28 per hour; however, City & County Group pay our apprentices as if they were a normal colleague and then National Minimum Wage for their age category.
If you are already employed by City & County Group and start an apprenticeship programme, there will be no changes to your contract or salary.
You will be earning a wage and receive your training at no cost to yourself.
Myth: I can’t do an apprenticeship and work full -time
Myth Buster: Apprenticeship are a vocational way to train and are completed alongside your current job role. No need to take career breaks or leave employment to train. Apprenticeships are also fully funded so won’t cost you a penny! You will need to complete some of the academic work in your own time.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for the construction or trade industry
Myth Buster: This is no longer the case and hasn’t been for a while. There is a wide breadth of apprenticeship training available across all sectors of our workforce e.g. Finance, I.T, Business Administration, Customer Service, Management, Dental, HCA’s, Nursing Associates, Occupational Therapists and Physios to name a few! New apprenticeship standards are in development all the time.
Myth: Apprenticeships don’t offer the same job opportunities as degrees
Myth Buster: There are numerous apprenticeship pathways available which lead to degree level roles. Apprenticeships can be just as valuable and open up as many opportunities as a degree. Apprenticeships are available from Level 2 (GCSE) up to Level 7 (Master’s Degree). City & County Healthcare Group currently support 17 different types of apprenticeships.
Myth: Apprenticeships are for the less academic and people who don’t do well at school
Myth Buster: Absolutely not! Apprenticeships can be just as challenging and rewarding as traditional GCSE, A-Level and Degree study programmes. We currently have over 370 apprentices undertaking apprenticeship training from Level 2 (GCSE) right up to Level 7 (Master Degree) level
Myth: Apprenticeships don’t lead to good qualifications
Myth Buster: There are clear progression routes for apprentices to enable you to attain degrees through the apprenticeship programme.
Myth: Apprenticeships are only for new staff to the business – existing staff don’t qualify
Myth Buster: A majority of our apprentices are staff who are already employed by City & County Healthcare Group. They are making the most of funded apprenticeship training to upskill, pursue promotion or a change of career within the group.
Myth: Apprentices only do menial or low skilled work – apprenticeships are not proper jobs
Myth Buster: Apprentices follow clear training criteria and competencies which involves key tasks and play an important role within their teams. Apprentices start effectively contributing to their job role from day one.
Myth: Apprenticeships are low-quality training options
Myth Buster: The new Apprenticeship Standards launched in 2017 have been designed to improve the quality of apprenticeships and many include professional qualifications e.g. We have 4 staff who are undertaking CIPD apprenticeships.
We hope these myth busters put some of those daunting thoughts to bed.
Looking to join one of the most rewarding industries out there? Visit cch.careers for more information about out current vacancies.
Latest news, 16th November 2023
City & County announces a new vision ‘to become the best place to work in care’, prompting changes in the company’s organisational structure and ways of working
In a recent summit, a new vision and focus on a ‘People First’ strategy was agreed upon with senior leaders from across the country. As the largest care company in the UK, City & County’s commitment to improve the employee experience holds the power to revolutionise the sector.
“A primary focus of mine is to put our employees at the heart of the organisation. It is their determination to improve lives and provide an exceptional standard of care that fuels our company,” said Gary Fee, CEO, City & County Healthcare Group.
Fee went on to recognise the Group’s achievements to date, which have ideally positioned them for the next phase of their evolution. “I am proud of what we have accomplished – we have grown both organically and through acquisitions, built a diverse range of services, created a technically advanced multi-platform system and ensured high-quality care for our clients”.
While City & County will continue to push forward on all fronts, their new vision – to become the best place to work in care by prioritising their people – marks an important transformation for the company. “By nurturing our teams and creating a culture of trust, connection and recognition, our people will be at their best to support the happiness of our clients”, said Fee.
To deliver the new vision, multiple ‘people first’ initiatives and a new organisational design was presented at the Leadership Summit. Leaders from across country left the event energised and ready to pioneer a new standard of care that will have a positive impact on both clients and employees.
Latest blog, 19 September 2023
Professional Care Workers’ Week
This week is Professional Care Workers’ Week – a campaign hosted by the Care Workers’ Charity, to recognise and celebrate the care workforce. City & County is the largest provider of homecare services in the UK, and we’re proud of our care workforce and its contribution to the care sector.
What is Professional Care Workers’ Week?
Now in its sixth year – Professional Care Workers’ Week is a celebration of care workers and the essential work they do, created to promote awareness and raise the profile of care workers in the UK.
From 18th – 22nd September the Care Workers’ Charity will be hosting a programme of free online panels and information sessions. Visit the website to find out more.
The Professional Care Workers’ Charity says, “Care is a highly skilled profession, but on the whole, care workers do not get the advantages of being seen as professionals…Professional Care Workers’ Week is an opportunity to raise the profile of care workers in the UK and showcase the fantastic work they do, while providing opportunities for learning and sharing best practice.”
Real Care. Real Impact.
Read the following testimonials from our City & County clients, which demonstrate the extraordinary things they do every day to make a positive difference to people’s lives all over the UK.
• “My two care staff always go above and beyond. I have a lot of confidence in them as they look after me and bath me. I have confidence issues, so they make doctors’ appointments and speak with doctors and hospitals, and arrange my hospital appointments for me, and plenty more.”
• “Adrian is nice, he chats and if I’ve got a problem, I talk to him about it and he listens. He makes me coffee and I can talk. He always knows what I need, and he makes my bed for me. Adrian makes me feel welcome
• “They are very warm, caring and polite and always have a smile on their faces. They are very experienced and have built a rapport with my mother, although she does not speak English.”
• “Jhan is a very good carer. He is so patient with me; he never rushes me, and he does anything I ask of him with no complaints.”
• “She takes time with me; she properly washes my hair and makes me feel like I’m at the spa. She makes me feel special.
• “Krishna is a very good carer who understand me.”
• “When my son passed away, Lisa was there for me. She just listened and to this day she will just listen to me talk about him during her whole visit and never tries to stop me talking about him.”
• “My regular carer always makes me feel like I want to live my life longer.”
• “I think Mandy is great. she always remembers the little things like what food I like and how I like my drinks made. She also has a great sense of humour and is always cheering me up.”
Thank you to all our care workers, who make our clients feel special every day.
Latest blog, 12 September 2023
National Dementia Carers Day
12th September is National Dementia Carers Day, the aim of which is to recognise informal dementia carers. Looking after a loved one with dementia can be challenging, and so it’s important to understand what it means to be a carer.
Did you know?
Many of our City & County care workers also support clients who are living with dementia and they do an extraordinary job. In addition to their paid work, some of our care workers also care for loved ones at home who are also living with dementia. This can be hugely demanding and requires care to be carried out with patience, kindness and compassion.
Thank you
We’d like to say a huge thank you to all carers everywhere for the amazing job they do in supporting people who are living with dementia.
#NDCD2022
Latest blog, 29th August 2023
Service of the Year – Willow House
Meet the manager – Willow House, Service of the Year
Watch the first part of our interview with Prabhjot Atwal. Prabhjot is the Registered Manager at Willow House, our extra care scheme that operates under London Care.
Thanks to the efforts of Prabhjot and her extraordinary team, Willow House won the ‘Service of the Year Award’ at our City & County Management Awards in June.
In this video, find out more about Willow House, Prabhjot’s role as manager, and what it’s like working at an extra care scheme.
Latest blog post, 18th August 2023
A day to remember at 10 Downing Street
They represented our care workforce at a reception held in recognition of care staff. It was a great opportunity to network and share experiences with others from different care services and providers from across the country. Tony, Amanda and Neve were all Care Heroes Awards finalists this year, with Amanda winning Care Worker of the Year.
The reception was a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with colleagues across a sector that employs over 1.6m people and delivers care to both the public and private sector. I am proud to have been invited to attend alongside three of City & County’s Care Heroes, Amanda Morgan, Neve Beamish and Tony Graham, who are the most wonderful ambassadors of the sector and our company. You make such a positive difference to people’s lives every day – thank you!
Thanks also to Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association, who works tirelessly to improve the visibility and funding for the care sector.”
The Minister for Care, Helen Whately MP, was in attendance and talked to everyone about their roles; she gave a speech in which she thanked care sector staff for their invaluable contributions to health and social care.
The Downing Street event was a fantastic opportunity for our City & County care workers to be recognised for the extraordinary work they do every day, and to share their experiences of the care sector with MP Helen Whately. Gary’s presence at the event will have helped to raise the profile and awareness of City & County Healthcare Group and the vital services we provide.