Eden Futures launches new apprentice support worker scheme in Midlands

A new scheme offering young people the opportunity to become health and social care Apprentice Support Workers has been launched by Eden Futures, a specialist provider of support and enablement for adults with learning disabilities, mental ill-health and autism.

Launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2020, Eden Futures is hoping to attract 16-18-year olds in Stafford, Telford, Nottingham, Coventry and Nuneaton to apply.

The scheme, which is supported by provider Lifetime Training, offers on the job training to the five selected applicants, whilst studying for a nationally recognised formal qualification.

Shelley Bloom, Head of HR at Eden Futures, says: “Support Workers play a crucial role in our business to help our service users live their lives. Our apprentices will work as part of the team and use their training to support those who cannot live fully independent lives at this time. Helping them reach their fullest potential and understand the choices available to them. Whether it’s providing cooking skills and recipe ideas, shopping and budgeting or socialising like planning a trip to the cinema or a holiday.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to look beyond traditional routes into employment and explore the diversity of career options available to them through apprenticeships and learn while they earn.”

Mikey Weaver has just qualified from Eden Futures’ apprentice scheme. He’s a highly valued member of the Telford service team working at Pear Tree Apartments. His energy, ideas and ability won him the company’s Apprentice of the Year award in 2019.

Commenting about the scheme, Mikey (pictured) said: “I didn’t have any experience of health and social care when I joined as an apprentice but training is very thorough and I’m supported by a great team in Telford and at head office. Working has proved invaluable whilst studying because it gives you real life situations and experiences to relate to all the time which you can’t learn in a classroom.”

Eden Futures employs 1,200 people who care for and support 650 service users across 127 sites.  Services include support following discharge from hospital environments to supported living, through to outreach support and accessing the community.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.lifetimetraining.co.uk/apprenticeship-vacancies/eden-futures/