A local carer is being widely praised as an inspirational role model for young people who want to develop a career in the care sector!

Charlotte Evenden is now a care coordinator with Care in Hand having joined the company in February 2010 following a decision to change her career from business administration to social care. At that time, Charlotte was one of their youngest carers and since then her career has progressed rapidly, as her skills have been developed by the company’s extensive training program and Charlotte’s hard work and dedication.

After completing the Induction Framework Programme, Charlotte then successfully completed her QCF Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Health and Social Care. Not surprisingly, her growing expertise and experience has seen her career develop significantly within the company. Having started her QCF level 5, Charlotte has recently been promoted to care co-ordinator for the Pembroke Dock office after 16 months of working as a deputy care co-ordinator.

Commenting on her career path, Charlotte said: “I contacted Care in Hand after hearing about the training they offered. Although I didn’t have any formal qualifications, they employed me as one of their community carers and they enrolled me on the Induction Framework Programme, where I learnt about social care. I was also allowed to learn from experienced, senior carers who helped me with the day-to-day practicalities of the job. The training they offer is ideal as the levels available match your growing experience and skills!

“Caring is not a career that immediately springs to mind for school leavers but I would encourage anyone that has a caring nature or a passion for communicating and being with people to consider it. “Each day is so rewarding and many of the people I look after like to see young carers- they always say that we help them feel and stay young!”

Delan Umanee, managing director of Care in Hand commented: “It has been wonderful to see Charlotte’s career flourish. We are fully committed to providing training opportunities to all of our staff to help them achieve their career goals!”

Unsurprisingly, Charlotte’s success is also getting noticed throughout the community, as local MP Simon Hart commented: “Charlotte has done brilliantly well and Care in Hand has given her the chance to shine. It shows just how much you can achieve - even if you start off without any formal qualifications - if you stick at something and give it your all.”