During National Apprenticeship Week (9 to 15 February), Sanctuary Care is shining a spotlight on some of its amazing apprentices – who are flying high in their care careers.

When Abbie Troop joined us at The Laurels Residential and Nursing Home in Derby as a Care Assistant in 2018, she had never imagined she would be embarking on a journey to become a Registered Nurse, thanks to workplace apprenticeships which have been fully funded by Sanctuary Care.

Abbie’s journey has been phenomenal – after stepping through the door at the not-for-profit care home in Spondon, Abbie knew she had found her true calling.

Having thrived in her role, she was given the opportunity to undertake an Assistant Practitioner (AP) Apprenticeship – a role which bridges the gap between Care Assistants and Nurses, with APs performing key clinical duties to support the Nurses.

Now Abbie has embarked on a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, which when complete, will mean she is a fully qualified Registered Nurse.

“I started with Sanctuary Care in March 2018 as a Care Assistant, and I could never have imagined where that first step would lead me.

“For anyone considering an apprenticeship I would say go for it! The opportunities are real, the support is genuine, and you will be surrounded by people who want to see you succeed. I am proud of how far I have come, and even more thankful for the team that helped me thrive!

“I am genuinely grateful for the encouragement, flexibility and belief Sanctuary Care has shown me. My Home Manager Sheila Clay has been a constant source of support, pushing me to grow.”

Abbie also praises the support she has had as a new mum. Welcoming her son Reggie into the world in August 2023, she credits the support and flexibility she’s been given for “helping her to have the confidence to return to a job role I truly love.”

She adds: “From Care Assistant to Student Nurse – Sanctuary Care believed in me long before I believed in myself. Their support has shaped my career and confidence, giving me opportunities I never imagined I’d have. With the right company and the right support, you can achieve so much more than you think.”

To find out more about a career in care, please head over to our Recruitment pages