For many young people, an apprenticeship is a first step into work. At Teamwork Trust, it’s also a chance to make an impact on people’s lives – including their own.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse employee group, and each apprentice brings their own interests, fresh perspectives, and a passion for making a difference. Teamwork gives many apprentices their first taste of a career in health and social care. They learn about people with additional needs, their diagnoses, and play a crucial part in supporting members to reach their goals.
As a charity, we place high importance on developing our people. Alongside a suite of online learning, apprentices complete a First Aid at Work course run by UK Training and attend three dedicated training away days each year, featuring engaging sessions and speakers that educate, motivate, and promote team-building.
Heidi, a Living and Learning Coordinator Apprentice based at Kettering, says she is drawn to the people and the variety each day brings. “My favourite thing about Teamwork Trust is getting to learn about the members and supporting them where I can. I wanted to come into a role where I could care for people and help enrich their lives for the better. They do make my day better. It always brings a smile to my face. It’s never the same, it’s always different, and I enjoy that. I’m delivering different sessions each day, and that helps me build my confidence.
“My favourite is leading the music sessions. I get to express myself through dancing and singing, which is a passion of mine, and I get to see the members being really happy and enjoying themselves.”
Bethany, also based at Kettering, joined Teamwork Trust after previously studying nursing and wanting to work with people with learning disabilities. She explains: “I’ve got a history of caring for people. I was at university studying nursing, and I always wanted to work with people with learning disabilities, but I never had the chance. Coming here has given me that opportunity.”
And the best bit? “Meeting everyone! There are some very interesting characters here and they’ve helped me come out of my shell a bit. I’m quite an introverted person. I used to be so quiet and now I can’t stop talking – I can’t stop yapping.”
For Zach, a new apprentice at Corby, Teamwork Trust offered the chance to make a real difference. “I wanted to do this role because I like helping people and I felt like I could make the most difference in this environment,” he says.
Since joining, Zach has been developing a deeper understanding of individual needs and how best to support people. “They’re teaching me how to understand people with additional needs and how I can best support them. No one is the same. Everyone has different needs.”
At Wellingborough, Ryn highlights the inclusive atmosphere that defines Teamwork Trust. “My favourite thing is definitely the community and the people. I can be authentically myself and be around people where we can just exist, have a good laugh.” Ryn has also seen significant personal development: “My confidence has escalated so much. My communication skills and planning skills have improved.”
And it’s not just the apprentices who benefit from their time at Teamwork – they are greatly appreciated by our service users too.
Kirsten, one of our Wellingborough members, says of her time with Ryn: “Ryn is helpful and kind. He helps me with research on the computers and explains thing in a way I can understand.”
All this shows that apprenticeships at Teamwork Trust don’t just help build careers, they build confidence, connection, and community.
And, as our Head of Services & Operations, Tom Davies, says: “We’re proud to work with Stamford College to deliver apprenticeship opportunities which deliver great outcomes for our staff and our members. A number of our current staff have come through this programme and it’s a real positive for us to support people in their first step on their journey into health and social care.’
“We’re enthusiastic about our current group of apprentices who have so much to offer as they start their careers. Their development continues to be a highlight and it is a real positive to see them begin to get creative with their skills working closely with our members. It’s very satisfying that Teamwork Trust continues to develop its reputation as a quality service for its members and an employer who supports our staff to better themselves and fulfil their ambitions.”