Leanne Dawson
Senior Care Worker · Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
“The tutor support has been exceptional throughout – Vikki's fast turnaround on marking my work made such a difference when I was juggling study with night shifts and a family. Detailed, honest feedback and she clearly cared about helping me improve.”
The Challenge
Leanne had been working in adult residential care in Sunderland for six years, initially as a care worker and then in an informal senior capacity when the team needed cover. She was well-regarded by her manager and the families of residents, but without a formal Level 3 qualification she could not be appointed permanently to the senior care worker role – her employer required the diploma as a minimum qualification for the position. Working night shifts three to four times a week meant that attending a college course was simply not an option.
Why learndirect
Leanne's employer had previously funded staff at a local college, but the timetable was incompatible with the shift rota. A colleague recommended learndirect after completing a health qualification online, and Leanne enrolled on the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. Her tutor, Vikki Quigley, became a central part of her experience – “She turns work around so quickly and the feedback is always specific and constructive. Even when I needed to resubmit something, I knew exactly what to improve.” Studying in the hours between coming off a night shift and sleeping – an unconventional schedule that only an online programme could accommodate – Leanne made consistent progress through her units.
The Outcome
Leanne completed her TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care and was formally appointed to the Senior Care Worker role she had been covering informally for two years. Her salary increased from £21,500 to £26,800 – and her manager has already discussed funding the TQUK Level 5 Diploma for her, with a view to progressing to Deputy Manager within three years. “I did this for myself as much as for the job,” she said. “I finally feel like my experience and my qualifications match.”