Kizzy Minter is an NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care Apprentice at Teamwork Trust who has an incredibly friendly and helpful nature, and has wanted to pursue a career in care from a young age.

It was walking past the charity’s Corby centre everyday on her way to and from school that really sparked Kizzy's interest in mental health. 

Being given the chance to complete her Apprenticeship at Teamwork Trust was a dream come true and she has since become a valued member of the team – carrying out a varied role which has required her to continually demonstrate a level of professionalism and maturity over and above her years.

She has also helped raise over £3,000 during recent fundraising events and gets actively involved in representing the charity at high-profile presentations in schools and businesses – to flag up the business services that Teamwork Trust provides to local and national companies.

Kizzy said: “It’s too easy for people to fear things they don’t understand, but working with people with additional needs gives you a new perspective on life, an appreciation for the fact we are all different and unique.

“My role is really varied and the best aspect is engaging with the members, making sure they have everything they need and giving them the opportunity to have the same chances and choices as everyone else. I help them with daily tasks but often I also need to help provide emotional support too and these are all skills I learn as part of my Apprenticeship. Making sure members are happy and safe is really important too, especially when they are working in a factory environment which can be quite daunting for someone with additional needs. Health & Safety is an important aspect of my Apprenticeship so it’s great to be able to apply the practical skills I learn on a daily basis.

“It can be difficult at times but that’s what I love about my Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care – I love overcoming challenges and knowing that what I do can make a massive difference to someone’s day.”

Graham Marshall, Operations Director at Teamwork Trust: “Kizzy is bursting with ideas and her encouraging confidence means she’s never afraid to share them with staff, frequently using her initiative to make positive changes on the factory floor. She throws herself into every task whether that’s organising deliveries or helping members with the work, and just lifts the whole centre when she’s around through her enthusiasm and happiness.

“In the first few months of her joining us, Kizzy showed incredible bravery by signing up to climb Snowdon. Her willingness to continually push herself out of her comfort zone like this is exceptional.

“She speaks about our work with the upmost confidence and professionalism in front of crowds and has been crucial in helping to promote our outsourced packing and assembly services to businesses. The warehousing element of our programmes is one of our most important income streams as a charity, so her input has been outstanding.”
Kizzy, who joined the charity after leaving school at the age of 16, demonstrates a high level determination and is even keen to learn to drive a forklift truck.

She explains: “If I can make a member smile or impact on their day in a positive way then I have achieved something great. The best thing about being an Apprentice is learning on the job and being able to put the theory you learn into practice straight away. I know I have found my vocation in life.”