Apprenticeships are a key part of Voyage Care’s approach to learning and development. They see apprenticeships as a way to bring fresh talent into the business while also investing in existing colleagues. “Offering the apprenticeships to our colleagues, supporting them through their learning journey, helps to develop and build on their skills and boosts their confidence which in turn benefits the people we support.” says Mandi Smith, Qualifications & Development Manager.
Voyage Care offer a range of Care apprenticeship programmes from Level 2 Adult Care Worker through to Level 5 Leader in Care. They also offer a diverse range of apprenticeships which ensures all colleagues in non-care roles are supported with their development, degree apprenticeships at Levels 6 through university partnerships are also available.
Their commitment to apprenticeships and developing their colleagues has been recognised through winning a place in the top 100 apprenticeship employers, twice! Coming in at No.19 with the Sunday Times and No. 45 with the Department of Education and Rate my Apprenticeship.
Working in Partnership with Paragon Skills
Voyage Care has partnered with Paragon Skills to deliver a comprehensive apprenticeship programme that supports both new entrants to care and existing colleagues. Over the past year, the number of apprentices has grown significantly, with structured, role-relevant training offered across multiple levels; from support worker to service manager. This helps individuals build confidence, competence, and gain nationally recognised qualifications.
Mandi, Voyage Care’s Qualifications & Development Manager, describes the relationship with Paragon Skills as “extremely supportive and helpful.” With over 20 years of experience in delivering award-winning training, Paragon Skills tailors its programmes to meet the needs of learners and employers alike. For Voyage Care, this means a more skilled, motivated workforce and a clearer pathway for career progression, something the sector urgently needs.
Voyage Care are currently implementing the Skills for Care ‘Care Workforce Pathway’s’ to create a structured development journey for our teams. The framework starts at the very beginning at the on-boarding stage for new colleagues joining the business through to completion of their 6-month probationary period. The opportunity is then available to progress onto an apprenticeship aligned to the relevant pathway. The pathways begin with ‘New to Care’ designed to support individuals starting their careers in health and social care and extend through to leadership roles.
Open communication and a dedicated point of contact ensure apprentices are supported throughout their programmes. “Any issues or concerns are addressed immediately and close collaboration with Paragon Skills ensures all apprentices are supported.” This reinforces the strength of the partnership and its positive impact on learner outcomes.
As the partnership evolves, it continues to support Voyage Care’s ambition to remain an employer of choice, aligning with its employee value proposition, ETHOS values, and commitment to fulfilling lives for all.
The Impact of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships have had a positive impact across the business. “We have had Support Workers that have started with the level 2 Adult care Worker and progressed through the levels and have been successful in securing a position as a service manager which was their dream to achieve.” This investment in development has also helped improve retention rates. “Investing in our colleagues has helped with our retention rate which in turn benefits the people we support through having consistent support.”
Voyage Care is proud of its apprenticeship outcomes. “We’ve had excellent results, which shows the dedication our colleagues put into their apprenticeships. 37% Distinction, 46% merit and 12% pass.” These results reflect the dedication of their colleagues and the strength of their support systems.
Looking ahead, Voyage Care remains committed to offering apprenticeships across health and social care and is always open to exploring new programmes that align with their services. Their goal is to ensure every service is engaged and every colleague has the opportunity to grow. As part of this commitment, Voyage Care will continue its strong partnership with Paragon Skills and proudly stand as an apprenticeship ambassador, championing the value of continuous learning and career development.
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