Chasing the next challenge: Jamie’s career progression at Ashlea Lodge

Jamie Caldwell has worked at Ashlea Lodge Care Home in Millfield, Sunderland, for three years now and has loved every minute of it. Although he started at the home with no prior experience in care, his passion for progress has known no end. This month, he began his role as Senior Care Assistant (Nights) and we were excited to ask him some more questions about his career progression.

Jamie began working on the residential dementia community in 2022 after moving to Sunderland from Scotland in search of a new adventure. Before long, he was showing a real flair for his new role; the residents and team members at Ashlea Lodge quickly grew fond of his warm personality. He then completed his NVQ 2 in Health and Social Care, passing with a distinction.

“Following this, I started to receive additional ‘on-the-job’ training and learned how to take clinical observations and oversee others on shift. When I was offered the chance to go through the Step Up to Senior Development programme offered by the Orchard Academy, I jumped at the chance because I’ve always wanted to progress” added Jamie.

This specific programme combines practical learning, mentorship and leadership training to prepare passionate Care Assistants for the responsibilities of a senior position. Those who choose to complete the programme via the Orchard Academy also gain enhanced care skills, confidence in supporting team members, recognition and support from Orchard leadership and a clear route to progress within the home.

Although it has certainly been an eye-opener into how much responsibility a Senior Care Assistant has, Jamie has thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of his training up to now. He has had incredible support from the Deputy Manager and the Senior team, and commented on the sentiment of teamwork at the home, which is so important to our Orchard ethos.

“My favourite thing about working at Ashlea Lodge would definitely be the team and the residents. It’s a really warm, homely environment and everyone looks out for each other.”

Deputy Manager, Joanne, has worked in the care industry for many years; she’s mentored and supported lots of team members as they’ve climbed through the ranks at Ashlea Lodge. That said, she has seen a particularly special spark in Jamie’s work ethic, passion and caring nature. She said it’s rare that someone so new to care has such natural flair for it, and yet loves the role so much at the same time.

Joanne said “Jamie is calm and gentle-natured, non-judgemental and thoughtful. People appreciate his approach and find him easy to turn to. He tends to lead by example, building mutual respect and encouraging the best person-centred outcomes. Although he is in the very early stages of his senior career, he shows much promise for the future.”

A massive thank you to Jamie for sharing his story with us and for working so hard to deliver such high-quality care to the residents of our brilliant Sunderland care home. We wish him all the best in his new role – and in his bagpipe career too!

Ashlea Lodge Care Home offers high-quality residential, respite and specialist dementia care. The home prides itself on vibrant, welcoming spaces and an exciting range of activities. Alternatively, if you’re interested in beginning a career at one of our award-winning Orchard Care Homes, then take a look at our vacancies today and begin your own career progression story.