Apprentice from local care home speaks at House of Lords

Riya Gomes, who completed a Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship at Dean Wood Bupa Care Home has spoken at the House of Lords dinner discussion about ‘Delivering apprenticeships for the future’.

Riya, joined Dean Wood in 2018 as a carer before progressing to a senior carer. Wanting to take her career to the next level, Riya started a Trainee Nursing Associate apprenticeship with Bupa in 2021. The apprenticeship allowed Riya to work towards her new qualification while working at Dean Wood, completing placements and written assignments alongside with the support of the Bupa team. Riya completed her apprenticeship November 2023.

Riya was invited to the House of Lords to talk about her experience of completing an apprenticeship in the care industry with Bupa, alongside five other apprentices from different industries. The discussion was oriented around understanding how apprenticeships can be a vehicle to create long-term employment solutions for the future across multiple industries.

When asked about the evening and her apprenticeship, Riya commented: “It was a brilliant day, it was lovely to tell my story and also hear other apprentices’ experiences. When I approached Bupa about doing my qualifications, they were incredibly supportive, at times it was hard to balance online classes and assignments with work and home life, but organisation and dedication was key. I am loving my new role as a nursing associate.”

Marie McCourt, Regional Director, added: “Riya is an inspiration to us all, we are incredibly proud of her hard work and fantastic achievements. The opportunity to go the House of Lords is testament to her incredible hard work and determination. Apprenticeships at Bupa are something we are really proud to offer. They are a fantastic way to give our incredible staff the opportunity to go above and beyond.”

The apprenticeship was delivered in partnership with the Open University through online classes, videos and assignments whilst also completing a number of practical placements organised by Bupa.

Dean Wood Bupa Care Home is situated in Brighton and welcomes residents in need of nursing or residential care including those living with dementia and Parkinson’s. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services.