Apprenticeships, Succession & Career paths

Progression -“Leadership & Excellence” 2023+

“In 2023 Oaklea Group launched a Leadership & Excellence Programme, which commenced in April 2023.  The programme will allow newly appointed line managers – plus aspiring employees, who wish to be appointed into a future management role, to be enrolled on a 24-month Leadership and Excellence Programme.

Get set go -First intake April 2023

They will obtain a Level 5 Operations and Department Management Apprenticeship with an ILM qualification.  The programme will strengthen the Groups succession planning procedures, retention of quality employees and the ability to have highly motivated, focused and aspiring line managers.” Helen Shaw, HR Manager

More on this programme here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/leadership-excellence-weve-got-this/

March 2024 – Leadership Training Day

APPRENTICE LEVY

Oaklea have been making great use of the Apprentice Levy and have been supporting Manager’s to obtain their Level 5 Diploma in Management.

OAKLEA APPRENTICE ACADEMY

The 1st week of February traditionally marks National Apprenticeship Week. As part of this we launched the Oaklea Apprentice Academy which went live in September 2021 in conjunction with Kendal College. The Apprentices specialise in Health & Social Care. The Apprenticeship lasts for two years and will consist of 30 hours per week paid work and one day per week at college.

Stop press – 2024 – watch this space – Oaklea Apprentice Academy to spread to County Durham (Derwentside College, Consett) and Furness College, Barrow.

“Heading for a rewarding career” says Apprentice Niamh

That was then….2023

Walk this way -Niamh with Oaklea customer Des

Niamh Caffrey – Academy Apprentice – more here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/making-time-for-tasty-apprenticeships/

This is now – In 2024 – a year on we caught up with Niamh for National Apprenticeship Week – hear from her direct https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/a-year-in-the-life-apprentice-niamh/

Brew time -Niamh with Oaklea customer Terry

For more examples on our Apprentice Academy – see our News pages -examples https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/make-this-your-step-onto-the-career-ladder-it-could-be-your-best-decision-yet/ and Oaklea Features https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/features/the-joy-of-six-apprentice-academy-next-steps/

Apply to be part of the Apprentice Academy hr@oakleatrust.co.uk T:01539 735025

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Team Manager workshop, Penrith 2023

The stories below shared by North East based colleagues Bob Parkinson and Nichola Bainbridge are real life examples of the success career progression has been for these employees at Oaklea Trust.

Nichola Bainbridge

Nichola – (on left) seen in this image with some of the people she supports

I have been an employee for the Oaklea trust since August 2008. I started my job as a Lifestyle Co-ordinator (LSC) supporting adults with learning disabilities in supported living. I have completed all training that is required to complete my job role such as NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care, LDAF, Administering medication, Safeguarding etc. In June 2016, I became a Team Supervisor and recently completed my level 2 Team leader award with Northumbria College.

As a Team Supervisor, I have completed other training such as;

  • P&A (personal and achievements)
  • Supervisions
  • Payroll
  • Manager Workshops
  • ITRENT (Oaklea HR system)
  • IPLANIT (online system for storing customer information)
  • Team Building

Bob (Robert) Parkinson

I started working for Oaklea in 2005. Standard training followed including LDAF (Learning Disabilities Award Framework), Health, and Hygiene level 2 and 3 as well as all the mandatory training needed to complete my role. In November of 2012, I started a new role as Team Supervisor and I thoroughly enjoy it. I then completed a Team Leader level 2 diploma with Derwentside College in Consett. Training is always available to help me – In December of 2018, I passed NVQ 3 in Management. I have since completed training in all aspects of team leadership including:

  • Team building
  • Pay roll
  • Performance evaluation
  • Supervision and appraisals
  • Time management
  • Report writing

For anyone aspiring to progress within their role at Oaklea I can recommend this as you will be supported to develop yourself through training and mentoring.

Stay with Oaklea – you go places…

This is our Northumberland Manager, Neil Sadler. He originally started as a Support Worker and now manages our teams in his native Northumberland:

Find out more about Neil’s journey here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/features/the-face-fits-30-years-not-out-thats-neil-working-in-care/

LOOKING AFTER EACH OTHER

This is Michelle Bamber from R2W: “I wear an orange button to signify the fact that I have undertaken suicide awareness training and am available to talk should anyone need to. It has given me the confidence to offer support to anyone that needs it.”

Talk to me -R2W’s Michelle

Mental Health First Aiders

“The Oaklea Group have a number of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA’s) trained by Mental Health First Aid England in providing mental health and wellbeing support for adults and children. The MHFA’s are trained to support colleagues, customers and learners in times of need with their mental health and wellbeing.” Helen Shaw HR Manager

Ongoing training & refreshers

Here you can see some of our employees undertaking vital First Aid training.

Where are we based?

Find out more

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