Irene, who works in a domiciliary care setting, enrolled on learndirect's Level 3 Adult Care qualification in February 2024, successfully completing the course before studying the TQUK Level 5 Leadership and Management for Adult Care.
Through her studies, Irene has developed her confidence, strengthened her professional knowledge and taken important steps towards her goal of progressing into a leadership role within the care sector.
Taking the next step in her career
At the start of her career, Irene had a strong desire to help others, but there were aspects of care practice that she wanted to understand more deeply.
"When I first started working in care, I had compassion and willingness to help, but I often relied heavily on instructions from others.
"I did not always fully understand the reasons behind certain care practices, especially when dealing with complex situations such as dementia, safeguarding concerns, or risk assessments. This sometimes made me feel unsure when making decisions independently."
Putting knowledge into practice
The qualification has enabled Irene to apply her learning directly within her role and make informed decisions when supporting the people in her care.
"Since starting the course, I have seen a significant change in both my knowledge and confidence. I now understand the importance of person-centred care, safeguarding, and professional accountability.
"For example, in one situation, I supported a service user who was at high risk of falls. Using what I learned from my training, I carried out a risk assessment, identified hazards in the home, and worked with my team to reduce those risks.
"This not only improved the individual’s safety but also helped me feel more confident in leading care decisions."
Developing leadership skills
Alongside strengthening her care knowledge, Irene has also developed valuable communication and leadership skills.
"I have learned how to adapt my communication to meet individual needs, especially when supporting clients with dementia. By using simple language, patience, and understanding personal history, I have been able to build better relationships with the people I support."
As her confidence has grown, she has become more involved in supporting colleagues and contributing to the quality of care within her service.
"The course has also helped me develop leadership skills. I now take a more active role in supporting my colleagues, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that care is delivered safely and effectively.
"I feel more confident participating in team discussions, giving feedback, and contributing to improving the quality of care within my service."
Looking to the future
Reflecting on her journey so far, Irene believes her qualifications have transformed both her professional skills and how she views her future within the sector.
"Overall, this learning journey has not only improved my professional skills but also changed how I see myself in the care sector. I now feel motivated to continue developing, with the goal of progressing into a leadership or management role in adult care."
She is also proud of the impact her learning journey has had on those around her.
"I am proud of how far I have come and how l have managed [to get] my colleagues to also register and study with learndirect. I am so excited so far with my professional growth and l look forward to the future."
Click here to watch Irene talk more about her experience. If you're feeling empowered by her story, why not take a look at our resources page, where you can download course brochures, factsheets, and our career guide for FREE!
