Operator’s team members on path to career progression

AN East Anglian care home company is making a huge investment in its staff, offering team members the opportunity to upskill and grow.

Athena Care Homes hosted a career pathway session for teams from Amberley Hall and Goodwins Hall in King’s Lynn, sharing advice and support on how to progress in care.

Members of the regional team from Athena, which operates five homes across the region, shared details of their own career journeys to show how they transferred skills from other industries, or grew within the care sector to gain their current roles.

Lucy Hoddy, learning and development manager for Athena Care Homes, said: “We wanted to give our team members a chance to reflect, we asked what their greatest achievement has been professionally and what their strengths are.

“We then asked them to look forward and asked where they saw themselves in five years, and how we could support them in achieving that goal.

“I was overwhelmed by the number of people signing up for apprenticeships and given the success of the day, we will continue our roadshow across our homes.

“There are many misconceptions around apprenticeships; we want to show that they can be utilised to develop your career.”

The sessions were attended by carers, housekeepers and catering colleagues, all keen to develop their skill set through training and study.

Nine team members registered for apprenticeships, with courses offered ranging from care to hospitality.

Amanda Hardy, head of HR, added: “It was a real privilege to be involved in the day and to be available for the team to ask me questions regarding their development and to hear their stories.

“We have a wealth of experience within our teams and to see the enthusiasm they have to learn and grow in order for them to provide the best experience for our residents was truly inspiring.

“To have so many of our team sign up on the day for a variety of apprenticeships is testament to how motivated they feel about their own personal development.

“Lucy’s passion for learning and development is contagious and there was a fantastic buzz at the session. I look forward to seeing this replicated in all our homes.”

Athena Care Homes is working with training partner Stedfast Training to deliver the apprenticeships, with team members being supported in the learning by managers within the homes.