National Apprenticeship Week: Supercharging our adult social care workforce
For Paula Mattachine-Lee, who’s 57 and based near Banbury, caring is in her DNA.
Having previously worked in therapeutic childcare, helping young people connect with nature to support their mental health, Paula joined Oxfordshire County Council in 2013, before changing roles in 2016 to become a coordinator in the adult social care team.
Much like social workers and occupational therapists, the role involves working with people who need additional support, typically those with less complex needs. It’s a good way into a career in care as it provides the opportunity to work with residents and understand the work in adult social care.
The role gave Paula an insight into the world of occupational therapy and the part it plays in the council’s Oxfordshire Way vision to support people to live well and as independently as possible, within their own communities.
Paula said: “Occupational therapists optimise care support. We’re encouraged to think outside the box about the things that can be done to support people with tasks that are important to them. Everybody’s different and that’s what makes the job so special.”
But to become an occupational therapist and carry out the more technical elements of the role, Paula needed to retrain. At the time she was 51 years old and had bills to pay, making this no easy task.
This is where the council’s apprenticeship offer gave Paula the support she needed. Retaining her position and pay banding at Oxfordshire County Council, Paula was able to apply for a four year course at Coventry University to work towards her occupational therapy degree.
Funded by the council, it gave Paula the chance to balance studying, learning and on the job training in other organisations, while continuing her paid work with the council.
Five years later, Paula is now a fully qualified occupational therapist. She is involved in developing the latest research in the area through a professional colleague forum and is a moving and handling instructor supporting carers and family members to understand safer techniques to support the people they care for.
Paula said: “My line manager describes the apprenticeship as supercharging our team. We get the very best training alongside vital support from colleagues and mentors.
“It gives me the confidence that no matter what situation I come across in my job, that I have the training to come up with good, person-centred solutions. And if something is really complex, I have a dedicated team around me who will be able to help.”
Paula continued: “The apprenticeship not only gives our workforce strength in the diversity of skills we each bring to the sector, but also creates a wonderful spirit in the team. Everyone wants you to succeed and that makes for a brilliant working environment.”
Karen Fuller, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, said: “Paula’s journey to becoming a qualified occupational therapist is testament to her hard work and determination.
“Her positivity and dedication has inspired other coordinators to continue their training through national apprenticeships, bolstering our service and providing the very best support for our residents. We are extremely lucky to have Paula in our team.”