We recently caught up with Caitlin, our wonderful Health and Social Care assessor, who told us about her experience in completing her Level 3 qualification, and how it resulted in a full time job here at Weston College. Here's what she told us!

My role at Weston College is as a Health and Social Care assessor for 16–19-year-olds and adult learners studying Health and Social Care qualifications. I observe and assess learners either on work placement or in their work setting.

I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care while continuing my previous employment as a senior care worker at a local care village, and predominantly supporting those living with dementia.

I found out about the course through Facebook and had been keen to gain the qualification for a while. I was also promoted to apply as the course was free for me as I did not already hold a Level 3 qualification.

While on the course, we had lessons on the SIM room, learning how to catheterise patients and a lesson in the lab dissecting pig lungs to learn about the respiratory system. The SIM room and lab are both fantastic spaces for learning and developing practical skills which are invaluable to 16–19-year-olds who are preparing for work placement.

Without this qualification, I would not have been able to apply for my role at Weston College. The course also helped me prepare for interviewing. Not all criteria were met though assignments, some were assessed on professional discussions which helped me develop my communication skills on a professional level. The course also helped me with my digital skills, which was fortunate as I had to create a PowerPoint presentation for interview.

I would really recommend and encourage others to study as an adult. I found I was more focussed and committed to the workload and qualification. I initially studied to further my career in the industry and to progress in my previous employment. I never thought that my knowledge and skills could support those in further education. I feel privileged to be able to support those in further education to become fantastic health care workers.

Alongside the Level 3 qualification, I was also able to compete a Level 2 in Safeguarding which was a bonus as I managed to gain another qualification while studying one. Since joining Weston college as an employee, I am being enrolled in a certificate in Vocational Assessing to further my knowledge in supporting through assessing. 

This would never have been possible if it wasn't for the completion of my Level 3 qualification and the support of Weston College - I'm so grateful to everyone who was involved in my journey!

Find out more about Courses for Adults, here!