National Apprenticeship Week 2024

5th – 11th February marks National Apprenticeship Week! The week celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the UK and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.

Michelle O’Neil

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is ‘Skills for Life’ which encourages people to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to develop a workforce with future ready skills.

To celebrate the week, we spoke to Michelle O’Neil, Deputy Manager at Real Life Options. In January 2023, Michelle began the journey to completing a Leader in Adult Care Level 5 Apprenticeship Diploma, funded by Real Life Options. This apprenticeship see’s the apprentice managing a team of frontline workers supporting individuals with care requirements. It includes leading a team and inspiring them to make positive differences to people’s lives.

Speaking about the apprenticeship Michelle says, “I had always wanted to do it. I even looked to fund it myself but it would’ve cost £7000 so for Real Life Options to fund it is amazing”. At Real Life Options, we understand the importance of personal and professional development, so we offer different pathways to training and development to suit individual needs. We work with apprenticeship programmes to invest in the continuous development of our staff teams to support the development of operational and business support staff.

When asked about her favourite part about the apprenticeship, Michelle says, “All of it! You have to cover a lot of legislation which I love. I’ve had a lot of support from people within the organisation and I couldn’t have done this without the support from Real Life Options and Carrie, my manager. I couldn’t ask for a better manager.” In May 2024, Michelle will have an end point assessment and is expected to achieve a distinction!

For anyone looking to complete an apprenticeship, Michelle says “It’s been time consuming and very challenging but I’ve loved it. I would say it’s hard work but it’s definitely worth it in the end.”

Congratulations Michelle!