Alex Hart was one of the new trainees who attended the Welcome Event:

“I had been volunteering in a number of capacities in the last 18 months and that’s where I found the desire to work in social care."

“I worked with adults with learning disabilities and the managers there spotted me and said I should be coming in at a higher level and told me about this scheme."

“It’s a valuable thing to do. I reflected a lot on what motivates me and researched different sectors, and this is the one; it’s an industry where there’s a lot of exciting things going to happen.”

Martin Green, Chief Executive of the  English Community Care Association, who presented on the day:

“This programme is very valuable because we’ve got to deliver the leaders of the future and what this programme does is it gives people an opportunity to be developed into a our future leaders."

“I had a fantastic experience with my previous graduate. She was of a very high calibre and was absolutely fantastic. She was also a great ambassador to the organisation as well as fulfilling important work commitments."

“The graduate scheme is a very good stepping stone for a career in social care.”

Ron Bainbridge, Housing 21 who are hosting one of the new trainees:

“We have taken graduates into our service previously - over the last 3 years. It’s gone very, very well and two of the graduates we were able to offer full time employment to."

“We wanted to bring people in who were highly skilled academically who had possibly come through a business route with a degree, and able to make a contribution to the organisation.”

“The graduate programme brings in people who have a proven record in terms of intellect who can gain the experience to then benefit the organisation.”

Nicola Brown, who will be based at BEN, an automotive charity providing for those who have worked in the industry:

“From a young age I’ve always wanted to go into a career that helps people who are in need of care and services, and needing to have their voices heard."

“The scheme puts you into an organisation but you also work for a management qualification while going through it. It’s being chucked in at the deep end which I’m excited about, but also giving me a head start into a career I feel passionate about."

“I want to help vulnerable people get the services and care they need. My organisation and this scheme combines the two for me which is just perfect.”

“We’re going to get so much invaluable and varied experience.”

Diane Lawson, Chief Executive National Skills Academy:

“We’d like the scheme to be the first stepping stone on a career of leadership development.  The academy wants to be part of their journey forever.”

“We’d like to think that ten years from now our alumni are promoting leadership in the sector, and championing the development of their own workforce, if they end up becoming a CEO or a Director of Programmes.”

“We’d like to think they’ll have a great fondness for their alumni and see themselves as part of a really proactive community.”

“The feedback from the workplaces is that these graduates are having a fabulous impact.”