Swansea care home wins Wales’ VQ Award

Story courtesy of Duncan Foulkes Public Relations:

A Swansea care home has claimed a Vocational Qualification (VQ) Award in Wales.

Hengoed Court care home, owned by Nicola and Tim Williams, was judged VQ Employer of the Year.

They were one of nine finalists who attended the recent showpiece awards ceremony at Coleg y Cymoedd's Nantgarw Campus on VQ Day, a celebration of people who have achieved success through vocational education in Wales.

The awards coincided with the publication of two new skills reports. The Institute of Public Policy Research revealed that, with 3.6 million skilled vacancies opening up across the UK over the next 10 years, vocational qualifications have never been in such demand.

In addition the Employer Skills Survey 2013 Wales report provides evidence that the Welsh economy is moving towards recovery and highlights the skills needed by employers across Wales and within sectors and occupations.

Wales' Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, presented the VQ awards and congratulated all the finalists for excelling in their vocational learning journey. He also called on employers and individuals to take responsible action on skills following the findings of both reports.

“Next month, we will be launching our Skills Implementation Plan, which sets out the actions we intend to take in developing the skills of the Welsh workforce and increasing levels of skills investment,” he said.

“VQ Day reminds us just how many Welsh employers and learners are already going that extra mile when it comes to developing skills. A VQ award is more than just an award; it’s a symbol of dedication towards your chosen profession.

“We have no intention of preaching to the converted, but if the Welsh economy is to continue to grow then we must ensure employers, individuals and the Welsh Government work together and invest in the right skills for success.”

Hengoed Court, which has workforce of 220, has built its reputation on an ethos of promoting dignity, privacy, independence and respect, backed by a comprehensive staff training and development programme.

Opened in 1987, the care home has retained many of its original staff, demonstrating the support and opportunities provided by the owners. Nicola and Tim Williams have worked with Gower College Swansea for the past seven years to provide and deliver a range of accredited qualifications to upskill, motivate, empower and stimulate staff.

The home’s approach to care and training has been recognised by other care providers and the local authority in Swansea, with visits to the business undertaken to share best practice.

By the end of this year, all catering staff will be trained to a Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) level. All senior staff are developed to a QCF Level 3 and the care staff workforce is well on its way to becoming 100 per cent QCF qualified.

“This award is recognition for all the hard work and effort that nobody ever sees,” said Tim, who praised the relationship the business had developed with Gower College Swansea. "We work with and care for a lot of wonderful people and training is the foundation of our business. Our experience is that learning is a catalyst for many things and when people achieve it inspires them to continue achieving."

“Professional and personal development programmes are utilised for staff to enable them to follow a pathway of learning to meet company, customer and individual needs.

“We proactively seek out innovative training, such as integrating customer service and dementia care into mainstream social care qualifications – effectively combining statutory requirements with best practice.”

VQ Day supports the aspiration that vocational qualifications should achieve parity of esteem alongside other educational routes.

Learning providers across Wales came together to celebrate VQ Day and engage with learners of all ages through providing interactive taster sessions in a range of skills at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus and Coleg Cambria’s Deeside Campus.

VQ Day and the VQ Awards are co-ordinated in Wales by ColegauCymru and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) with the support of the Welsh Government and part funded by the European Social Fund.