Whickham Villa News

The 17-year old from Newcastle has joined Whickham Villa LLP as a full time Support Worker following the successful completion of a nine-month placement working within the company’s care facility.

 Whickham Villa LLP originally recruited Shauni last year as part of the National Apprenticeship Service programme.

 As part of her new role, Shauni will be responsible for supporting and providing care for older people and clients with long-term care needs.

 She said: “I was originally given the opportunity to attend a placement with Whickham Villa as part of my course even though I had no work experience in the health and social care sector prior to my apprenticeship.

 “Since then, I have completed an NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care and gained invaluable hands-on experience during my time working with the rest of the team.

“The apprenticeship scheme is certainly one I’d recommend to others as it helped me get on my chosen career path. I’m now really focused on gaining further experience in the care sector at Whickham Villa and hopefully achieving even more qualifications.”

Following the success of Shauni’s placement, Whickham Villa partnered with several local schools to host an open day for pupils to provide an insight into working in the care sector and also look to take on even more apprentices eager to work in health and social care.

 Alistair McDonald, business development director at award-winning Whickham Villa LLP, said: “We are delighted to have Shauni on board with us full time as her keenness to lean about healthcare has impressed everyone in the business over the last year.

“Her progress and achievements epitomise what apprenticeships should be all about. Companies giving local youngsters the chance to learn a trade and then in turn for them to work hard and take full advantage of the work experience opportunity.

“Given the positive experience we have had with Shauni, we will no doubt be looking to take on more apprentices in the future that genuinely want to pursue a career in care and rehabilitation,” added Alistair.