2023 Apprenticeship Awards

Maida works as part of the ‘single point of access’ team within Social Services as a third sector link worker, supporting them with guidance and information on third sector support available to people.

During her time on the programme, Maida has worked diligently and very hard on her diploma. Despite having to shield for personal health issues she persevered with her coursework, worked from home to support her colleagues, became an integral part of the team and is now the go-to person for information for the people they support.

Maida’s health issues have resulted in her having to have some time off programme, but as soon as she was back she continued to work hard.

She supports the duty social worker with calls and has been out on welfare visits when she was able to go back into the office. Not only has she been a great support to her colleagues with their own wellbeing but she’s also stood up for the rights of the people during what has been very difficult times for them.

Maida’s Assessor Hannah Lloyd stated that, “There will be many individuals who’ve stood out during the last 18 months, but Maida has ensured she has worked to support her colleagues and service users during what has been a very turbulent time - she’s very worthy of this nomination."

Claire is the Assistant Manager of 'A Star Support Services', the service provides support for individuals with learning disabilities living in community.

She’s a driven individual who leads her team by example. Changes in legislation around the qualifications needed to work in the care industry mean that Claire and many of her colleagues are working towards their Level 2 and 3 Health and Social Care qualifications to comply with the new requirement for support staff to register with Social Care Wales.

She is always there for her team members, Claire believes in the importance of an open-door policy, where everyone is encouraged to pop to the office for a cup of tea and a chat.

Along the way Claire has faced challenges, with a large factor being time and how to set the time aside to complete her training while balancing the need to cover support hours, along with taking on new clients.

Claire didn't stop there, she also works for the NHS bank, as she said that this is important to her to ensure that she remains up to date with CPD and she can then pass on her skills to staff.

The individuals are at the centre of the services and encouraged to take part in community charity work and paid work, to develop life skills and a sense of inclusion, all in line with the social services wellbeing act 2014, for everyone being recognised for their individuality. Claire has grown to be a confident manager, who strives to support everyone to succeed at A Star.

Jeff works as a community navigator with the Red Cross and Denbighshire council and completed his Diploma during the pandemic, at the same time as supporting the community. He was re-deployed at times to support the local food bank and the local pharmacies ensuring patients and those who needed additional support were able to receive it.

In the early stage of the pandemic, Jeff helped answer the phones and supported many individuals who were anxious and concerned about how to get help for relatives in the area when they lived further afield. He also completed welfare checks when it was safe to do so, ensuring the people were safe, directing them to appropriate support and then following this up if required.

Jeff’s Assessor, Hannah Lloyd comments, “I have had the pleasure of seeing Jeff speak and interact with people, he is focused and very passionate about achieving the best outcomes for them. Jeff completed his diploma whilst he was working and supporting his daughter with home schooling during what for many of us was a very trying time. Jeff went above and beyond with a lot of his work during the last 18 months and deserves recognition for this”.