General
Eight Years in Care: Callum Formalises His Experience with a Diploma
After embarking on the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Diploma, Callum has been able to formalise his skills and build confidence in his role.
At Realise, we take immense pride in supporting individuals like Callum Gauntlet, a Support Worker at Focus Birmingham for over eight years. Focus Birmingham is an independent local charity that aims to create better opportunities for people with care and support needs. The charity supports those experiencing sight loss and complex needs across Birmingham and provides supported living accommodation for adults with visual impairment and other disabilities.
A Day in the Life of a Support Worker
Callum’s workday is structured yet diverse, balancing practical tasks with meaningful interactions that he very much enjoys. “I start my shift by taking a handover and noting any additional responsibilities. My routine is fairly fixed, which I appreciate. I begin by reviewing the logs and Medication Administration Record (MAR) charts to identify any medication changes and adjust accordingly. There is often a lot to remember so I try to plan ahead.”
His role involves not just personal care but also creating an engaging and fulfilling environment for the individuals he supports.
“I check in with the folks, make tea or coffee, and spend time with them – it’s their home, and it’s important to take that time.”
A highlight of Callum’s day is leading activities. “I do karaoke with them – it’s really popular. I also run a dice game I designed myself, inspired by the computer games I play. It’s quite complicated, but it works well. I also do book readings, quizzes, hangman, and crosswords.”
People-Focused Work
After leaving college, Callum worked in hotels and later bars for almost a decade before entering the adult care sector with Focus. During this time, what became clear for Callum was that he relished working with people – no matter what sector he was employed in.
“I feel lucky in the sense that I’ve been employed for a lot of my time since school, in not highly paying jobs – but I’ve enjoyed being employed in fields mainly involving people.”
Why choose a Diploma?
Callum’s decision to take on a Level 3 Diploma was not initially about career progression but about gaining recognition for his time in the Health and Social Care sector.
“I enjoy my job. I’m possibly open to progression if an opportunity arises, but that’s not why I took the course. I wanted something to show for my experience, to update my CV, and to ensure I have a formal qualification should I ever explore new horizons.”
Callum has found the diploma enriching, particularly in reflecting on his own experiences as well as feeling more aligned with workplace policies.
“I’ve enjoyed speaking about what I’ve been through, asking questions, and putting together information that answers them as best as I can.”
“Callum has been enthusiastic about learning and his course.” – Serena Stevenson, Realise Trainer
“It’s given me the opportunity to stop and reflect on policies in my workplace. I feel reassured knowing I’ll have something to show for the years I’ve worked here.”
Future Aspirations
While Callum initially pursued the course for self-development purposes, it has opened doors to potential career growth.
“If there’s an opportunity for promotion, I might be more inclined to go for it now that I feel more confident in my qualifications. I’ve updated my knowledge on policies and responsibilities, which is important for my organisation and my role.”
Empowered to succeed
Callum’s journey exemplifies how Realise’s funded training solutions empower individuals to validate their skills, reflect on best practices, and build confidence in their careers. His story is a testament to the impact of professional development, not just for career progression but for personal fulfilment and job satisfaction.