Work, learn, and earn at the same time.

The Modern Apprenticeship (MA) program gives those looking to pursue or develop a career in health and social care the opportunity to gain a sector-recognised qualification whilst working in a paid role as a support worker. Each year Cornerstone gains a limited amount of funded places for Modern Apprenticeships, these are allocated to us across various age groups; 16-19, 20-24 and 25+. The Training Academy works closely with Branches to allocate these fairly across the organisation.

Sheila Gordon, Cornerstone’s Training Academy Lead explained;

“A Modern Apprenticeship is an excellent route through which to pursue and develop a career in health and social care.  It allows candidates to invest in their own continuous learning and development, whilst keeping up to date with the latest skills, techniques and regulations. Importantly it also allows people to convert their on-the-job, practical experience into a formal, recognised and required qualification.”

“Apprenticeships work for everyone! They are a key investment we choose to make in our workforce by providing full support through our employed team of trained assessors, as well as regular access to facilitated study sessions, continuous guidance and assistance. We also pride ourselves in paying our Modern Apprenticeships the Scottish Living Wage.”

On the programme, apprentices will achieve their SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 7 plus core skills units in numeracy and ICT. 

Since the scheme was launched in 2011, Cornerstone has trained a total of 186 people to gain their Modern Apprenticeship, with a further 27 colleagues currently working towards their qualification.  

Sarah, who will graduate from her Modern Apprenticeship in 2023 explained; “The Modern Apprenticeship is really helpful no matter where you are in your career. You get great on the job training and learning, with lots of support.”

During the Modern Apprenticeship candidates will work closely alongside a Training Academy assessor. The assessor is there to support candidates and will draw up an individual learning plan to tailor the delivery of the Modern Apprenticeship to best suit the candidate’s needs.

Mason, who will graduate from his Modern Apprenticeship in 2023 said;

“I wouldn't have been able to do it without my assessor, Pam. She has been great and is so supportive.”

For more information about the Modern Apprenticeship and to apply please email [email protected] 

Or read stories from recent Modern Apprenticeship graduates below:

Mason’s Story

 

“I’ve learned loads from doing the SVQ – I can care for the people we support better, and the Modern Apprenticeship has given me a better understanding of what health and social care really is. I’m already implementing most of the stuff I’ve learned, it does make me feel more confident.”

“My favourite part of the Modern Apprenticeship is seeing the people we support being so happy and excited about stuff we’ve planned to do with them.”  

To read more about Mason’s story click here.

 

Sarah’s Story

 

The best bit of the Modern Apprenticeship for Sarah is getting to know the policies better and reflecting on her practice. “It’s great to be able to reflect on anything I am doing well or anything I can be doing better or differently.”  

“For me, the most rewarding aspect is thinking about how I can positively impact the person I’m supporting. It’s great to be able to look back and see what’s worked well and the impact you and the team have made on helping them to achieve their  outcomes.”

To read more about Sarah’s story click here.