Rhondda Cynon Taf Council social care worker Chloe Paterson is encouraging others to follow her footsteps and consider it as a career option as it offers great opportunities and is very rewarding to both the carer and also those they look after.
Having carved a successful career in social care since completing her apprenticeship, Chloe, 23, is now a team leader with the Council’s daytime services and is encouraging others to embark on a career in social care.
The global pandemic has impacted thousands of businesses over the past couple of years, and the health and social care industry in particular has really felt the effects.
One solution proving invaluable in its attempt to tackle the ongoing recruitment crisis is the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme, which gives individuals the chance to learn new skills, gain national qualifications and earn a wage at the same time.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, said: “The health and social care sector suffered greatly during the past two years and a major recruitment drive is underway.
“It is fantastic to see the impact a social care apprenticeship has had on Chloe. She is a fantastic ambassador for the Council’s care sector and I urge others who are inspired by her story to follow Chloe into a career with so much to offer.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to learn more about the industry of your choice. They also help you grow in confidence as well as helping you help and support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Chloe Paterson, aged 23, of Rhydyfelin, works as a daytime support social worker with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council after completing her Level 2 and Level 3 diploma in a Health and Social Care Apprenticeship.
The former Parc Lewis Primary School and Hawthorn High School student knew that when she left school, further education was not the right path for her. However, rather than feeling restricted, she decided to look up apprenticeship posts that offered the practical hands-on experience she needed.
Chloe became interested in a social care career for personal reasons, but she did not realise how rewarding the job could be until she took up her apprenticeship.
Chloe Paterson said: “I researched apprenticeship roles upon leaving school and found these to be manageable and engaging because they allowed me to train while earning money at the same time.
"I enjoyed learning while on-the-job. It was so useful being able to ask questions to experienced staff members when I had assessments and essays, rather than always studying independently. It helped to build my confidence as I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or ask for help and advice.
“I was initially inspired to consider a career in social care after struggling to form a bond and communicate with my autistic brother. I decided to take up a pathway course at Coleg y Cymoedd at Nantgarw to learn more about disabilities and I soon realised that I wanted to pursue a career that helped individuals and families to build upon their relationships with others.
"My apprenticeship not only helped me to decide what I wanted to do in my career, but it hugely benefited me personally and taught me how to socialise and interact around disabled people – something that many people struggle with and should try to improve upon.
“A career in social care is so rewarding, watching individuals achieve things that they didn’t think they could and watching them leave with a smile on their face makes it all worth it and reassures you that you’re in a worthwhile job.
“Without a doubt, my apprenticeship motivated me to improve day on day and I think my achievements demonstrate that. Over the past five years, I’ve gone from being a student and completing two diplomas, to being a permanent member of the team, and finally being promoted to my current role as a team leader.
“I would highly recommend an apprenticeship as a route to a career in social care because of the experience you gain while working towards a qualification.
“The social care industry is in need of new talent, and people who are willing to care and motivate others. Working in this industry really does feel like you’re working alongside a tight-knit family, and you’ll always go home knowing you helped to enhance the life of an individual.”
Councillor Tina Leyshon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Childrens’ Services, said: “A career in health and social care is rewarding to those working within the industry and also to the individuals and their families who use the service.
“We are proud of the work our health and social care sector carry out in our communities every day and we thank Chloe and her colleagues for all that they do.”
If you have been inspired by Chloe’s story, find out more about the Welsh Government Apprenticeship Programme
Posted on 16/02/2022