SEASONED Essex care professional Leanne Collins vowed never to work in a management role again – but, with the support and guidance of experienced trainers, she is now thriving as the leader of a specialist residential home.

Leanne felt unable to operate as a manager but the skills acquired through the Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship, obtained with the support of training provider Realise, has seen her confidence soar.

Today she is Registered Manager at Shaftesbury Keefield Close, on the outskirts of Harlow, which provides person-centred, responsive, residential care for 10 adults with profound physical and intellectual disabilities.

Leanne has worked in the health and social care sector for almost 15 years, starting as a care assistant for people with learning disabilities and working her way up to a management role in domiciliary care.

During this period, Leanne’s physical and mental health worsened and she felt she had no other option than to step down to a team leader position in a different company.

“I struggled to make the adjustment and my health conditions started to become more apparent,” said Leanne, speaking during National Apprenticeship Week.

“I took a new role and I convinced myself that I would not do management again.

“However, after a lot of huge personal changes, one thing led to another and I found myself back in the manager’s chair.

“The thought of being registered with the CQC and starting the Level 5 apprenticeship was challenging as my health was not improving as I had hoped – but I wanted to try just one last time.”

Eager to learn, Leanne was assigned Claire Thomson as her trainer. The pair spoke openly about Leanne’s health struggles and came up with a plan that was realistic and achievable.

Leanne said: “Claire was so kind and understanding. There were highs and lows throughout my journey but Claire was consistent.

“She was so empathetic but also made me look at my own reflection and boundaries. Throughout the programme, she helped with my confidence and the dreaded imposter syndrome, my time management and she really taught me how to say no.

“I became better at delegating and voicing my concerns. With every assignment that passed, I was reminded of the knowledge I had gained across my career and the experience I had lived.”

Leanne not only completed the apprenticeship but achieved a distinction in the End Point Assessment, which she attributed to Claire’s ongoing support.

“I am a better manager to my staff and residents, but also I am kinder to myself and more self-aware,” added Leanne.

“I am so grateful to have completed my course with Realise and my incredible trainer.”

The Level 5 Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship is an 18-month programme covers all aspects of management, including strategies to support others, governance and regulatory processes, partnership working and quality improvement.

Realise works with large care operators including MHA, Anchor, Harbour and Springfield, offering an array of apprenticeships, from the Level 2 to Level 5.

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com