​At ivolve, apprenticeships are a powerful part of how careers begin, grow and evolve. They help people build confidence, develop real-world skills and discover what they’re capable of - while making a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

This story brings together why apprenticeships matter in social care, how we support learning in practice, and the real experiences of colleagues who have grown their careers with ivolve.

Our apprenticeship offering - scale, commitment and credibility

We currently have 350+ colleagues completing apprenticeships or diplomas across 173 of our sites, covering a wide range of roles, levels and career pathways. From frontline care and leadership to specialist, technical and operational roles, there’s something for everyone - supporting individual passions, strengths and ambitions.

This commitment was recognised in 2025, when ivolve was named a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer by the Sunday Times for the first time - a milestone that reflects the quality, scale and impact of our learning culture.

Why Apprenticeships Matter in Social Care

Social care is not an entry-level stopgap or a “just for now” job. It is a profession built on trust, skill, empathy and responsibility - and it deserves learning pathways that reflect that.

At ivolve, apprenticeships are one of the most powerful ways we invest in our people. They allow colleagues to earn while they learn, develop real-world skills in real environments, and grow confidence alongside competence. Learning doesn’t sit in a classroom alone, it lives in everyday moments, relationships, decisions and outcomes.

From frontline care and leadership, through to specialist, technical and operational roles, apprenticeships help our colleagues turn curiosity into capability. They support progression at every stage, whether someone is stepping into care for the first time, moving into leadership, or developing specialist expertise.

Most importantly, apprenticeships don’t just shape careers. They help us to improve lives.

When colleagues are supported to learn, reflect and grow, the people we support feel the difference - through more confident leadership, better communication, stronger advocacy and higher-quality, person-centred care.

While the impact of apprenticeships can be measured in qualifications and progression, their true value is seen in people’s journeys. Behind every programme is a colleague building confidence, finding their voice, and shaping a future that feels possible.

The stories below share what apprenticeships look like in real life at ivolve - through the experiences of colleagues who’ve taken different paths, faced different challenges, and grown in their own way.

Cassandra’s Story: From Clinical Foundations to Confident Leadership

Cassandra joined ivolve with a strong clinical background, having trained in nursing and worked within the NHS. What she wanted next was growth - not just in title, but in confidence and leadership.

Completing a Level 5 Leadership and Management apprenticeship, Cassandra describes the biggest change as learning to trust her own judgement.

Before her apprenticeship, she questioned herself constantly. Today, she leads with assurance, understanding both her strengths and where reflection still matters. Achieving a distinction was a proud moment, but the real impact came from applying learning directly into everyday leadership practice. Cassandra said, “My apprenticeship gave me the confidence to apply what I know - not just learn it.”

Supported by a strong network of managers and peers, Cassandra never felt learning was something she had to juggle alone, it was simply part of her role, her rhythm, and her growth.

For Cassandra, apprenticeships matter because they challenge outdated views of social care. She said, “Social care is so much more than people think. It isn’t just making cups of tea, and learning helps us prove that.” And she’s right. Roles in social care are professional, skilled, and deeply human, and at ivolve, we believe people deserve the opportunity to develop properly within the sector.

Akhil’s Story: Finding Leadership, Confidence and Direction

Akhil’s apprenticeship journey has been one of steady transformation. Starting as a Support Worker, he progressed through Level 2 and Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications, alongside a Level 2 Diploma in Team Leading - and now works as a Senior Support Worker in Swansea.

What changed most wasn’t just his knowledge, it was how he saw himself. Before his apprenticeship, learning felt overwhelming. Now, Akhil approaches challenges methodically and confidently, breaking problems down and applying theory directly into practice.

He speaks proudly about leading teams, writing effective reports, and using evidence-based approaches to improve support. Akhil reflected, “My apprenticeship changed how I see myself and what I believe is possible. It didn’t just teach me skills. It gave me confidence.”

The support around him made the difference. From protected study time, to practical guidance from managers and colleagues who believed in him.

For Akhil, apprenticeships are about more than skills. They shape leaders, build self-belief, and help people recognise what they can achieve - both professionally and personally.

His ambition doesn’t stop here. Inspired by his learning, Akhil is working towards a future career in clinical psychology, carrying his values, leadership and lived experience with him.

Lydia’s Story: Leading with Purpose and Understanding

When Lydia began her Level 5 Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship, she was already experienced, but she wanted deeper understanding, stronger leadership skills, and clearer direction.

Now a Registered Manager for supported living in Yorkshire, Lydia describes her apprenticeship as challenging, empowering and transformative.

The learning helped her navigate complex team dynamics, understand different leadership styles, and manage people as individuals, recognising that no two colleagues respond the same way. It strengthened her confidence to lead with accountability, empathy and clarity.

Balancing work and learning was made possible by strong team support and an understanding mentor, ensuring Lydia could focus without compromising the quality of care around her.

For Lydia, apprenticeships matter because social care can’t be learned from theory alone. They combine real experience with structured learning, helping her build confidence, emotional intelligence and capability where it matters most. She said, “Apprenticeships help you grow and help others receive better care. Since completing my studies, I now lead with confidence and purpose!”

Her next step is already in sight: progressing towards a Level 7 qualification and continuing to shape her leadership future.

Alex’s Story: Learning Beyond Expectations

Alex’s apprenticeship journey shows that learning at ivolve doesn’t sit in a single box.

After completing an apprenticeship in Operational and Departmental Management, Alex went on to begin a Software Tester apprenticeship, developing technical skills alongside leadership capability. That learning directly supported his progression into a Technical Delivery Manager role.

What Alex gained most was confidence, and not just professionally, but personally. Learning theory alongside real-world application helped him understand not just about getting it right, but about getting it wrong too.

He commented, “Learning helped me stop fearing mistakes, and start growing from them. You can’t get it right all of the time, but you can take accountability and problem solve to fix issues. That’s’ one thing this has taught me”

Supported with time, flexibility and trust, Alex was encouraged to learn at his own pace and explore pathways aligned with both current roles and future ambition. That freedom to learn - without pressure or blame - shaped how he now leads others.

Alex believes apprenticeships matter because social care thrives on diverse skills and perspectives. When people are supported to learn, organisations become more curious, more resilient, and better prepared for change. He said, “an apprenticeship opens doors you didn’t know existed. Not only has my career path expanded, but my world has too, I now have more confidence to try new things, and meet new people.”

Like what you see?

Across ivolve, apprenticeships are helping people discover confidence, build careers, and deliver better outcomes for the people we support. Whether you’re starting out, stepping up, or exploring something new - learning is always welcome here. Because when our people grow, everyone benefits.

If you’re looking for an employer who genuinely invests in your growth - not just your role - ivolve could be the place for you.

Here, your development matters, your ambition is supported, and your career is shaped with you, not for you.

Ready to grow a career with purpose? Apply today and start your career with ivolve.