National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Building a Lifelong Career Through Apprenticeships at Birchmere House

At just 27, Amelia-May Perks has already spent eight years building a meaningful and ambitious career at Birchmere House Care Home. She joined the home on 14th February 2018, aged 19, as a Carer after completing a Level 3 extended diploma in Health & Social Care at college, and she has never looked back.

Today, Amelia is one of Avery’s most passionate advocates for apprenticeships, development, and lifelong learning. During college, Amelia felt that university was presented as the only natural next step, but she never felt it was right for her. Work experience with her godmother, a children’s nurse, introduced her to healthcare, and she quickly realised that supporting older people was where her interest lay. “There is something incredibly meaningful about making someone comfortable, safe, and valued in later life.”

Despite her interest in care, Amelia did not know much about apprenticeships until she joined Avery and began working closely with the Learning and Development team as a Home Trainer. She delivered first aid, manual handling, and supported e-learning, and it was during this time that she was encouraged to explore formal qualifications.

“Knowledge is power,” she says. “The more you know, the more competent and confident you are for the residents.” Her apprenticeship journey began when she reached out to discuss a change in apprenticeship providers, and she soon realised how many opportunities were available to her.

Amelia has now completed her Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeship in Lead Adult Care and has been accepted onto the Adult Care Level 5 apprenticeship, which is a significant achievement, as Level 5 typically requires learners to already be in a managerial role.

Her long-term ambition is clear. She plans to complete her Level 5 qualification, become a Registered Nurse, register with the CQC as a Care Manager, and eventually progress to Deputy Manager and then Home Manager. She hopes to achieve every step of that journey within Avery.

“Avery has always supported my development. I would not be here if there were not opportunities like this. There is a stigma that there is no progression in care, but that could not be further from the truth.”

For Amelia, apprenticeships offer the perfect balance of learning and earning. “They are flexible, you can earn money while you study, and the company invests in you. It is student-led, and you get out what you put in.”

She is often surprised by how much she has learned, especially around legislation and best practice. She recalls moments at work where she instantly knew what to do because of something she had studied. “That is when you realise how valuable the learning is.”

Amelia’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She won Avery’s Learning and Development Champion Award in both 2023 and 2024, attending gala events where testimonials from colleagues were read out in her honour.

One of her proudest achievements came when she was asked to help open Saxon Manor, a new Avery care home. She trained new team members and helped shape the culture and standards of the home, all while completing her Level 4 apprenticeship. “That experience showed me how far I had come. It was a huge responsibility, but also a huge privilege.”

Amelia’s time at Birchmere House has included plenty of moments that stand out, including International Cat Day, when she brought her two cats into the home for residents who enjoy spending time with animals. “It was so wholesome. Those small moments make such a difference.”

Amelia has personally encouraged around ten colleagues to start apprenticeships, and her message to anyone considering one is simple. “Do it. You are never too old to learn. Apprenticeships help you become the best version of yourself for the residents. I was anxious and full of self-doubt when I started, but the confidence it has given me is incredible.”

Amelia May Perks represents the future of care. She is skilled, ambitious, compassionate, and committed to continuous development. Her journey shows how apprenticeships can transform careers, build confidence, and create leaders who will shape the sector for years to come.