Sarah Tetrault has worked out Guild Care for 27 years in a variety of roles. Here she talks about her career progression.

What did you do before you started work at Guild Care?

I left school at 16 and I didn’t want to go to college, so I started work at a local care home through YTS (Youth Training Scheme) and completed my Level 1 NVQ in Health & Social Care. I then joined Guild Care as a Care Assistant at Caer Gwent where I completed both my Level 2 & Level 3 NVQs.

How long have you been working at Guild Care? What three words/phrases would you use to describe your role?

I have worked at GC 27 yrs. It’s the second place I have ever worked. The three words I would use are:

• Inspiring
• Engaging
• Role Modelling

Can you see your career developing at Guild Care?

My career has developed at GC and I was going to leave after 6 years as there wasn’t an opportunity to progress but then Caer Gwent Care Home grew in size which allowed me to become a Senior Carer and eventually becoming a Deputy Manager. Having completed 14 years at Caer Gwent, I was offered a position as Rota & Recruitment Manager, this involved linking in with GC staff and local agencies to cover sickness and holiday, recruiting new starters and supporting the 4 care homes with rotas. After 3 years in this role, a training role came available as a Training Officer. I have progressed to the Training Manager role and currently manage a team of one and oversee the 4 Practice Development Facilitators (Guild Care’s inhouse trainers).

Would you recommend Guild Care to other job seekers? Why?

GC offers an abundance of opportunities and services; if one doesn’t suit you another one could be more suitable. There are many different strands of service, from day centre to care home. Excellent training is given that I left school with my highest GCSE being a D, I have now accomplished various qualifications to be able to carry out my role including a Level 5 Management Diploma.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to give all our carers time to care. What did this mean to you when you were a Carer?

I would say it was being able to spend quality time with the residents particularly around the social aspect – which is an important part of their personal care. Being able to make the resident feel part of a family and provide them with a home away from home.

Anything else you would like to add to your case study?

Guild Care has provided me with various opportunities to further my skills and knowledge to be able to further my career and along the way I have been able to work with many wonderful people internally and externally.