Care Home Wins Award For Local College Apprenticeship Programme

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution’s (RMBI) care home Ecclesholme in Manchester has won an award for the work they do to support students in the local community.

The Home was selected by Salford City College as the winner of the award for their continued support and commitment to the apprenticeship programme.

For the past five years, Ecclesholme has been enrolling two students a year onto a 12 month apprenticeship scheme. During their time at the care home the students, who are also completing their NVQ diplomas in care, work alongside RMBI care staff to gain valuable insight, knowledge and experience of the care sector. 

Students enrolled on the programme are encouraged to take part in the in-house training which is mandatory for all RMBI staff. In addition, tutors from the college frequently visit the Home to carry out assessments and monitor the programme.

Speaking about the apprenticeship programme, Beverley Niland, Home Manager at Ecclesholme, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as the winner of this award. We have found the programme very successful and in most cases the students will take up permanent employment with us after completion of their course.”

Ian McAllister and Tash Robinson were both apprentices at Ecclesholme and since completing the programme both have been promoted to Level 3 Care Support Workers at the Home.

Speaking about the apprenticeship scheme, Tash said: “I initially started on the apprenticeship programme four years ago and found the job role enjoyable and rewarding. The apprenticeship scheme gave me both confidence and now a career which I really enjoy.”

In addition to the programme with Salford City College, the Home also works closely with two local schools, Oasis Academy and St Ambrose 6th form.

Beverley said, “Two to three students visit the Home once a week for work experience. The students work alongside our Activities Coordinator where they help to plan and implement engaging and stimulating activities.

“The partnership with the schools has had a great impact on both the students and the residents who enjoy each other’s company.”

Most recently the Home has organised for one young adult from the Princes Trust to join the Home on a placement to support the Activities Coordinator.

Speaking about these initiatives, Beverley said, “We are committed to investing in the local community by providing opportunities for young adults to gain access to careers in the care sector. I myself joined Ecclesholme on a placement scheme whilst completing my NVQ2 and that was 20 years ago.”