Skills for Work Award Winner

Nominated by: PRP Training
Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales

Emma Howells was running her own upcycling and upholstery business. when the first national lockdown came, she lost her business overnight, and began looking at different avenues of employment.

Having previously worked in care, she secured a job in a care home at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emma’s commitment to her new job as a healthcare assistant meant she had to move out of her home to protect vulnerable family members. While working in the care home throughout the pandemic, she pursued several diplomas to continue her learning.

Emma has progressed from a Healthcare Assistant to become Deputy Care Home Manager. There have been challenges, having been diagnosed with dyslexia in school, Emma has developed strategies to manage her learning difficulty whilst studying for her Level 2 and Level 3 Adult Social Care Diplomas with adjustments such as additional time and screen covers.

In her role as a healthcare assistant Emma found a love for learning, and supported by PRP Training she has enrolled on several courses on a range of topics, including psychology. When an opening for Deputy Manager came up at the care home she decided to apply.

“It was quite ballsy actually when I think about it. I thought, ‘I’m pushing my chances now, but I need this and I’m going for it’. So, I did, and I got it. I was finally building a career.”

Senior management at Ashdale Care Home has recognised Emma’s desire to learn, and her work ethic. Her manager, Neil James, commented:

“From the start of her journey, Emma showed nothing but passion, dedication, compassion, and empathy which was very refreshing as we were battling a very different way of working due to the pandemic. Emma has a natural gift, and her desire to learn and develop led the way to her first promotion to care coordinator. She applied the same work ethic to that role, and as a result Emma now sits proudly beside me as my deputy manager.”

As deputy manager, Emma is involved in the running of the care home, but she still oversees care on the corridors, supporting the healthcare assistants in their roles. She is able to continue learning in her new role and is about to start a Level 4 Adult Social Care qualification.

“The Level 4 investigates the laws and legislation, policies, procedures, and that aspect of the role. So, it is more managerial, which reflects more of my day-to-day now. It’s challenging, but I’m learning every second of the day. I’d like to continue progressing to be the best I can be.”