Laoni Cooper
Study Type: Adult and Community
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: Health
Laoni offered apprenticeship following level 1 DCG adult social care course
Taking a level 1 course in adult social care with Derby College Group has led directly to an apprenticeship for jobseeker Laoni Cooper.
Laoni, 36, had already gained health and social care qualifications with a previous employer but, after being let down in her job, was looking for work in the care sector.
She took the level 1 course via the government’s Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) after learning about it at her local Jobcentre.
The mum of two will shortly be starting work with BWA Health Care Services in Derby once all the paperwork has been completed.
BWA provides home care services across Derby, supporting adults to remain independent in their own homes.
Its carers offer personal care, medication support, companionship, dementia care, and help with daily tasks such as shopping.
Laoni said: “I really wanted an apprenticeship as I’d already had some experience in care work.
“I’m not sure yet when I’ll start but I know the job will involve going into people’s homes to give care.
“I hadn’t heard of SWAP before, but I’m glad I did the college course. I enjoyed learning, meeting new people and getting out of the house.
“I had to catch two buses to the Roundhouse from home, but luckily my younger son’s school has a breakfast club, so I was able to drop him off and get to college on time.”
Laoni, whose sons are six and 16, has wanted a caring role for the past two years.
She previously took an online course to become a teaching assistant but struggled to find a work placement.
Closer to home, she also gained caring experience several years ago while looking after her terminally ill mum.
She added: “I found it really interesting when employers came into college to talk to us and answer our questions about what it’s actually like working in care.
“One employer worked with children who have learning disabilities such as autism and ADHD.
“He explained that to work in care you have to truly love it, as it isn’t an easy thing to do.”
SWAP is a partnership between employers, Jobcentre Plus and a training provider such as DCG.
Built around current sector-based vacancies, it offers pre-employment training to jobseekers aged 16 and over, along with a guaranteed job interview.
I hadn't heard of SWAP before, but I'm glad I did the college course.