Pathways scheme impresses at Westminster

Cumbria County Council apprentice Jade Pickering and Youth Pathways programme manager Lee Harper have represented the North West at a high-profile reception with ministers.

The invitation to the event came after the council’s Youth Pathways to Employment scheme was recognised by not-for-profit organisation Skills for Care as an excellent example of training and development which is helping lead the country’s adult social care services into the future.  

It was the success of a pilot scheme last year to train apprentices at Cumbria Care and support them in achieving NVQ level two in Health and Social Care which sparked their interest.  All 11 of those who completed the scheme were offered permanent roles within the organisation. 

Lee and Jade received an overwhelming response to the Pathways scheme.  Baroness Vadera, who has a particular interest in health and social care and owns private care homes herself, Gordon Marsden MP and Professor David Croisdale-Appleby O.B.E were particularly impressed by the scheme's long standing success rate.

Lee Harper says: "Everyone we spoke to was very positive about the county council and the fact so much is being invested in supporting young people, particularly via the health and social care apprenticeships.  

“Many ministers told us that their vision for supporting younger residents into employment and skills is very much in line which what the Pathways programme is already doing, and couldn't compliment the scheme enough."

Jade, 18, says: “I was over the moon to have been invited to Westminster to tell them about Pathways.    Everyone was really enthusiastic about the scheme and I was even asked to become a Care Ambassador by Skills for Care.

Having joined the scheme in November 2008, Jade’s apprenticeship saw her take up a placement working at the Castlemouth Care Home for the elderly whilst working toward her qualification in adult social care.   She says: “When I left school I didn’t have any plans for the future, but I’d always liked the idea of going in to a caring profession like nursing.  

“The advisor at Connexions told me about the Youth Pathways to Employment scheme and the adult social care placements and the idea really grabbed me.

“In August I completed the course and the care home I was placed at took me on as a member of staff. I know I’d never be working here if it wasn’t for the scheme and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

The apprentice scheme placements with adult social care are continuing this year, with seven apprentices so far placed with Cumbria Care, which will rise to 12 over the coming months.