NVQ success makes local care workers proud

Published by Jon Land for Sarsen Housing Association in Health and also in Housing

Three care workers at Ridgeway Care have been the first to achieve a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) 3 in health and social care at the local homecare provider.

The care workers, aged from 26 to 52, have spent six months combining theory and practice and building up a portfolio of evidence to show they have the knowledge and skills expected of a senior or experienced healthcare worker.

Care worker Lesley Kelly, 26, said: “We’ve gained a better understanding of different health conditions and the potential side effects of medication. We’ve also learned to spot the tell-tale sign of infection before it gets a grip on clients.”

NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications from City and Guilds that relate to practical jobs in all 22 industrial sectors in the UK. Around 80% of Ridgeway Care’s care workers have already achieved an NVQ 2 in health and social care.

Earlier this year Ridgeway Care was awarded a three-star rating by the Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator that inspects home, hospital and residential care services. The care provider was praised for its high standards and the quality of training for care workers. Staff are given training from the moment they join and also attend regular workshops and on-the-job training to keep their skills up-to-date.

Care worker Gaynor Nobbs, 52, has worked for Ridgeway Care for three years and been a carer for 13 years. She said: “It makes me feel chuffed at my age to be getting qualifications. There’s more work involved in NVQs than people realise. You have to be very dedicated and do course work in your own time.”

Ridgeway Care, part of Ridgeway Community Housing Association, employs 58 care workers and is holding a recruitment day on Thursday, 22 October, at the Corn Exchange in Devizes to beef up its teams in both Devizes and Marlborough. The job includes personal care, such as washing and dressing, childcare, caring for unwell people, housekeeping, shopping and collecting prescriptions. Ridgeway Care welcomes applications from people without experience.

Care manager Marie Cranfield said: “We can teach new skills but a caring and patient attitude has to be there right from the start. That’s why we prize attitude more than experience.”

For more information about a job in care call Marie Cranfield on (01380) 734439.