Vivo celebrates award for Apprenticeship programme

Cheshire West and Chester Council company Vivo Care Choices has been named New Apprenticeship Employer of the Year as part of Cheshire College’s Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

More than 40 of the region’s most accomplished apprentices came together virtually for the Apprenticeship Awards, which recognises those who have exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to their workplaces.

Vivo launched its Apprenticeship programme in 2019, offering five youngsters a chance to kickstart their careers in adult social care. After gaining experience working across Vivo’s different services and attending Cheshire College South & West once a week, all five apprentices have now been given full-time roles and a chance to develop their careers further.

A new group of apprentices will be recruited by Vivo later this year, with those who have already graduated from the programme offering support as they learn more about the sector and their care roles.

Alistair Jeffs, Managing Director of Vivo, said: “We’re delighted that Cheshire College South & West has recognised the work we’ve done to provide employment opportunities at Vivo and support our apprentices.

“Our new contract with the Council begins in April and we have ambitions to bring Vivo closer to the community than ever before.

“A key part of that is to be an employer of choice and offer the chance for people to be supported into a role in adult social care.

“Our Apprenticeship programme has been a real success so far and we can’t wait to see it develop in the coming years, giving more young people in the area the opportunity to learn and develop at Vivo.”

Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Cheshire College, added: “Our annual Apprenticeship Awards are always a fantastic evening and, while this year’s celebrations looked slightly different, it was great to celebrate our learners and employers who have achieved some brilliant accomplishments during what has been a tough year.

“It’s been a delight working with Vivo Care Choices, which has fully embraced the Apprenticeship programme, ensuring the best opportunities and outcomes for our apprentices.”

For more information about Vivo and its range of services, visit: vivocarechoices.co.uk.