Loughborough College apprentice Ashley Reid is in line for a top accolade at this year’s Carer of the Year Awards – and with fellow student Lisa Morris also securing a place in the finals that makes it a double for the College.
Ashley is in sight of this year’s title after being nominated by his manager Saida Mawna, who owns Quarry Hill Grange residential home in Mountsorrel.
The 16 year old began working at the care home as a volunteer two years ago and enjoyed it so much he jumped at the offer of an apprenticeship, joining Loughborough College to begin his studies last summer.
“I was surprised to hear I had been nominated for the Leicester Mercury Carer of the Year Awards and then that I had made the finals. But I’ve got my suit sorted and my mum and brother as well as a lot of my work friends are coming along to support me at the ceremony next week, so that will be great.
“I didn’t get on well at school but being at Loughborough College is so different. Everyone is really helpful and I am well on the way to my first qualification. The support I am getting is making learning an entirely different experience for me, I want to do it. And what’s more I want to carry on getting qualifications. My ambition is to make Team Leader, then Deputy Manager and hopefully, eventually, get the top job.
“When I walked through the door at Quarry Hill Grange for the first time two years ago, I never imagined I would enjoy being there as much as I do. I just helped out in the kitchens at first but then I moved onto being with the residents and I have such a laugh with them all, whether I am caring for them, sharing activities or on a day trip to Skegness.
“Now I’ve been made a Dignity and Care Champion. There are only three including me and the other two are the manager and the deputy manager. It involves supervising all the staff and making sure they follow our guidelines on taking time and being respectful and I feel very proud to have that role.
“It would be brilliant to manage a care home one day but for now I find what I am doing so fulfilling. All these people have cared for others through their lives and it is only right that we do all we can to care for them.”
'”This is a fantastic achievement for Ashley,” said Sarah Hall, Service Industries Work Related Learning Coordinator at Loughborough College.
“Every single day he is making a difference to the lives of the residents. He has a great passion for the care sector and it is an honour to be supporting him to achieve the qualifications that will enable him to progress further.”