Paige hits a new level!

We like to celebrate success when it comes to our Oaklea Apprentice Academy. The initiative started in South Lakes with Kendal College and has since expanded to the NE in County Durham.

On the level (2) in County Durham!

One of our success stories in the NE is Paige! She has been studying at East Durham College in Peterlee.

She is the first Oaklea apprentice in the NE to complete our programme through our Oaklea Apprentice Academy approach to training and our partners at East Durham College. This link up with the College was specifically created for people looking for a career in Health and Social Care. 

“Hold the front Paige” – The journey begins

“Paige, joined the Academy in April 2024. She had a long-standing passion for the sector and had been seeking a career in Health and Social Care since leaving school. After reaching out to Oaklea to enquire about apprenticeship opportunities, she was invited to an interview and was successfully appointed as an Apprentice Support Worker. To ensure the best quality training for Paige, Oaklea contacted East Durham College to provide the Health and Social Care apprenticeship framework that was right for her. Paige was then enrolled on a Level 2 Health and Social Care employment and became part of the team at one of Oaklea’s Supported Living services in Spennymoor.” Helen Shaw, HR Manager, Oaklea

From shadowing her team and learning from her colleagues, Paige developed strong hands-on experience in her role as a Support Worker. Through regular support from her assessor, Marie, and the support of her Team Manager, Lisa Clarey, she successfully passed her Level 2 qualification in Autumn 2025. 

*Jackie Lanagan, Assistant Principal for curriculum and partnerships at EDC. 

Mum, Dad & brother join in….

**Mum, Gina, works with Oaklea as part of our care team in County Durham

Apprenticeships help you succeed in the path you choose

The apprenticeship has given Paige the confidence, knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in her role to support people with learning disabilities in their everyday lives. She will be enrolling on her level 3 Health and Social Care apprenticeship in the new year, and the team at Oaklea and East Durham College look forward to supporting her on the next stage of her journey. 

Apprenticeships making an impact across the NE

They have also featured in our just released Annual Report – Oaklea supported James from Murton near Seaham can be seen with Apprentice Emily Jane.

James knows having a good team around him allows him to live life to the full -and bringing on new entrants to caring is part of that.

Download the full Annual Report here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/annual_reports/annual-report-2025/

Find out more – join our social care apprenticeships

https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/progressing-at-oaklea/

Plus more info on East Durham College https://edc.ac.uk/