Aftercare Worker Review

I am an aftercare worker who works with young care leavers getting them ready for independence. I support them to assess services such as housing, benefits, education and employment as well as health services. Aftercare is an advice and support service getting care leavers for social services to end their involvement at the age of 21 so they are prepared to live and function as an adult unsupported.

I have learnt a lot of new skills like empathy, supporting in a timely manner, working jointly and collaboratively with other services and professionals as well as building relationships with the young people I work with. I have improved on my writing skills, listening skills and organisational skills having a big case load.

I feel this course has enabled me to see things from others perspective as well as my own and it is OK to work with people and not always agree. Everyone has their own values and opinions and that is OK. I have enjoyed the learning aspect of this course at the same time as finding it difficult as I have not been in education for some years.

The programme is very well organised. There was a few teething problems when we joined in September 2020 but this was due to Covid and teaching being conducted online through teams. Gladly we are back in University and home for study days. The lecturers are there at any time to help and support the students.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. As well as having a mentor at Uni I have a mentor at work to guide me through my time in education and support with learning tasks at work. My mentor helps set up shadowing others staff so i can complete off the job training.

I receive a lot of support. The university expect my work to support me whilst at work and the staff and lecturers at MMU are really helpful. There are times i have struggled to understand but I can contact them at any time for advice and guidance during the three years completing this course

My aim is too improve my career prospects at work and I can achieve this by completing this apprenticeship degree and having the support of the university and my employers makes this goal all more achievable. Completing this degree has helped me with my writing skills to complete reports at work.

We have in-house training and some teams have a good social life but like most employment due to staff shortages and Covid this has prevented and stopped some activities and social events. The people i work with who are ding the degree with me support each other by studying and socialising together.

Yes

It is a very good university in a prime location easy accessible lecture rooms and facilities big enough to accommodate the amount of students and staff that attend as well as a good variety of food places and seating for students to socialise together and have breaks together at lunch time.

The application process was easy enough to complete and follow. The interviews were daunting but the staff put you at ease. Online process of verifying you are student and enrolment was easy to follow and prompts to remind you when needed. The experience has been a pleasant time and I would recommend anyone to try MMU.