Growing Talent, Strengthening Care: How the Voyage Care × Paragon Skills Partnership is Shaping a Skilled and Confident Workforce

A guest blog By Voyage Care, in partnership with Paragon Skills

At Voyage Care, delivering exceptional, person‑centred support to over 3,500 people with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries and complex needs relies on one essential foundation: a skilled, confident and empowered workforce. In a social care sector facing increasing complexity and demand, developing people is no longer optional; it is central to service quality, sustainable recruitment, and positive outcomes for the people we support.

 

This is why apprenticeships sit at the heart of our workforce strategy, and why our partnership with Paragon Skills has become such an important driver for growth, capability and continuous improvement across Voyage Care services.

 

A partnership defined by communication, insight and measured growth

As we approach our third year of partnership with Paragon Skills, the relationship has evolved into a trusted, quality focused collaboration. The focus is simple: people development, quality, and effective use of our levy.

Together, we have embedded strong channels of communication across the organisation:

• Weekly and ad‑hoc liaison between Voyage Care and Paragon Skills’ Account Manager, supported by formal monthly reviews aligned to our apprenticeship strategy.
• Monthly updates shared with 43 Operations Managers, enabling data‑driven discussions in regional meetings around apprenticeship uptake and workforce planning.
• Engagement across 561 services, with Paragon Skills Engagement Officers ensuring colleagues understand opportunities, requirements and benefits.
• Monthly joint meetings between Voyage Care and Paragon Skills operational teams to celebrate successes, address challenges quickly, and plan for growth.

The impact of this structured and collaborative approach is reflected clearly in the programme’s steady, high‑quality growth. What began with 123 transfers in May 2023 has progressed with strong momentum, increasing to 287 learners by January 2024 and expanding further to 502 by January 2025. Since then, more than 500 additional colleagues have enrolled, and 356 learners have successfully completed their programmes to date. This isn’t just about growth in numbers, it reflects a thoughtful, deliberate approach to strengthening our workforce, improving service quality and ensure we are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the people we support with confidence and consistency.

 

 

Why Apprenticeships Matter in Social Care — and at Voyage Care

Apprenticeships in the care sector are far more than training programmes. When they are delivered well and supported consistently, they bring structure, progression and a sense of professionalisation to care roles. They equip colleagues with the confidence and capability needed to provide high‑quality support, while also strengthening workforce retention through meaningful and tangible development opportunities. For care providers, apprenticeships directly influence the quality of care delivered, as enhanced knowledge and practice translate into more consistent, person‑centred support.

At Voyage Care, this focus on development has been transformative. Apprenticeships offer an accessible route for colleagues at all levels to deepen their understanding, build wider skillsets and grow into roles with greater responsibility. We see daily evidence of this impact across our services; from improved digital competence to stronger safeguarding knowledge and increased confidence in frontline decision‑making. These benefits ripple outward, helping us build a workforce that feels valued, supported and ready to deliver the very best care.

“For Voyage Care, apprenticeships are more than a learning journey, they are an investment in the future of our workforce and in the people we support.”
— Mandi Smith, Qualifications & Development Manager, Voyage Care

Our partnership with Paragon Skills has made apprenticeships not only accessible, but consistently high‑quality. Their sector expertise and specialist support have opened development pathways for existing colleagues, while also attracting new talent into the organisation. In a sector that faces growing complexity and increasing demand, apprenticeships remain one of the most powerful and practical solutions for shaping a skilled, resilient and future‑ready workforce.

 

Real Impact Across Services

Pennington Court — Service Manager: Angela O’Neil

Team size: 24
17% currently on apprenticeships

Angela sees apprenticeships as a powerful development tool that boosts confidence, motivation and professional competence.

“Those completing apprenticeships show their new skills in everything from how they support people to the quality of feedback in systems like Nourish.”

A recent CQC inspection at Pennington Court highlights this impact. The inspection began with a professional welcome from one of their apprentices; something the CQC auditors specifically praised as setting a positive tone for the entire visit.

Pennington Court received a good rating, seeing a significant improvement, which reflects the confidence and professionalism that colleagues gain through their apprenticeship training. Paragon Skills’ tailored support has helped apprentices apply their learning directly in the service, contributing to stronger practice and a more positive culture overall.

Angela also values Paragon Skills’ consistent on‑site engagement, particularly the 1:1 support offered by their Engagement Officer, which ensures colleagues feel informed and supported throughout their journey. When Angela raised a delivery concern, the quick escalation and resolution reinforced the strength of a partnership built on responsiveness and shared accountability.

 

Leadership Growth — Operations Manager: Vasoula Demetri

Overseeing 12 services in the Central West region, Vasoula has seen several managers progress through Level 5 apprenticeships with outstanding results.

“I’ve seen colleagues grow in confidence, competence and readiness for leadership roles. One Deputy who completed Level 5 achieved a distinction and has since excelled as a Registered Manager. Every audit since has been good, with some outstanding areas.”

This is the care sector at its best: apprenticeships nurturing future leaders who deliver strong governance, high standards and consistent quality of care.

 

External Recognition That Reflects Internal Commitment

Voyage Care’s dedication to developing colleagues through apprenticeship pathways has been recognised nationally:

• Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025 — ranked #45
• The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers — ranked #19
  (the highest‑ranking health & social care provider in the UK)

These achievements reflect the culture Voyage Care are building: one where development is accessible, valued and celebrated.

 

The Broader Care Sector Perspective

The social care sector continues to face significant pressures, from persistent workforce shortages to rising complexity of need and increasing expectations around professional standards. Apprenticeships offer one of the most practical and scalable responses to these challenges. They open new entry routes into the sector, particularly for younger people, while giving existing colleagues structured pathways to build confidence, competence and specialist skills. The training also strengthens essential areas such as digital capability, safeguarding knowledge and regulatory understanding; all of which directly influence the quality and consistency of care delivered. By offering clear progression and recognised qualifications, apprenticeships play a vital role in improving retention and helping services grow their own talent.

Through strong partnerships like the one between Voyage Care and Paragon Skills, apprenticeships are not only developing individual colleagues; they are helping create a more skilled, confident and resilient sector, reshaping the social care workforce for the future.

 

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue working closely with Paragon Skills to refine our apprenticeship strategy and adapt to the needs of a modern, dynamic care sector. Together, we remain committed to creating a learning culture that gives colleagues the skills, confidence and opportunities they deserve, ultimately enriching the lives of the people we support and securing a stronger future for our services.

As our partnership evolves, so too will the capability and ambition of our workforce. By investing in people, we are strengthening the foundations of outstanding care and shaping a sector that is more resilient, more skilled and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our shared commitment ensures that development isn’t just an initiative; it’s a driving force behind the quality, consistency and compassion at the heart of Voyage Care.