Building a Career in Care in Norwich: Kate’s Apprenticeship Journey
Thinking about a career in care in Norwich? Discover how Kate developed her skills and confidence through a Level 2 care apprenticeship with Home Instead Norwich.
Building a Career in Care in Norwich: Kate’s Apprenticeship Journey
Do you need previous experience to start a career in care? For Kate Coe, the answer was no.
Before joining Home Instead Norwich in November 2022, Kate had worked in very different roles, including cleaning, a meat factory and the Post Office. Her only personal experience of care came from helping to look after her dad.
Since becoming a Care Professional, she has developed her skills through a Level 2 apprenticeship, and recently completed it with a distinction. Kate’s story shows how a care job can become an opportunity to learn, grow in confidence and begin building a longer-term career.
From starting in care to achieving a distinction
Kate chose to begin an apprenticeship because she wanted to understand care more deeply and become better at supporting her clients.
“I wanted to gain more knowledge about the care industry and give myself confidence,” she explains.
One of the things that surprised her was the breadth of the learning. Rather than concentrating only on practical tasks, the apprenticeship explored areas including communication, safeguarding and person-centred care.
“It goes deeper into everything,” Kate says. “There is so much knowledge you can gain.”
That learning has influenced how she approaches her work with clients. For Kate, good care means protecting a person’s dignity and respecting their choices.
“Everyone deserves dignity, respect and choices,” she says. “You work with the person and their family so that it is always a choice for them.”
Growing in confidence at work
Qualifications are not only about gaining technical knowledge. Kate says one of the biggest changes she has seen in herself is greater confidence. She feels more comfortable communicating with clients, families and colleagues and particularly valued the feedback she received when her work was observed during the apprenticeship.
Although being observed initially made her nervous, it became one of the parts she enjoyed most because it helped her understand what she was doing well and where she could develop further.
Kate also had to balance studying with work and family responsibilities, including school runs and everyday home life. Her advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship while working is simple: allow enough time for study and assignments.
Support from the Norwich team helped too. Kate was given time for study and tutor meetings and knew she could contact the office if she needed help.
Where can a career in care lead?
Completing Level 2 has made Kate think more about what she could do next. She plans to continue working as a Care Professional and would eventually like to complete Level 3. She is also interested in learning more about lead and office-based roles while continuing to have contact with clients.
Her experience is a reminder that starting work in care does not mean you need to arrive with a complete career plan. Skills, interests and ambitions can develop once you are in the role.
Home Instead Norwich supports Care Professionals who are new to care as well as people who already have experience, with training and ongoing development available as they build their careers.
Asked what she would say to somebody considering an apprenticeship in care, Kate does not hesitate:
“Go for it. It opens your eyes to so many different areas, and it really brings your confidence up.”
Looking for care jobs in Norwich?
If you are considering a career change, returning to work or looking for a role where you can develop while making a difference to people locally, you do not necessarily need previous professional care experience to get started.
Home Instead Norwich is recruiting Care Professionals to support people in their own homes across Norwich and surrounding communities. Explore current opportunities in Norwich and find out whether a career in care could be right for you.
FAQs
Do I need care experience to become a Care Professional in Norwich?
No. Home Instead Norwich welcomes people who are new to care as well as experienced applicants, with award-winning training and support provided.
Can I gain qualifications while working in care?
There can be opportunities to develop through training and qualifications while working, as Kate did through her Level 2 apprenticeship.
Is there career progression in home care?
Yes. Care Professionals can develop their knowledge and skills over time and may explore further qualifications or other roles as their career develops.