A Caring Touch
Nicki Ballinger, who works for Ben, the not-for-profit organisation that provides support for life to the automotive industry, has recently achieved her CIPD. Nicki has worked for Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre for over 22 years and first joined as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) after spending six years as a nurse at Walsgrave Hospital. Ben supported Nicki to complete further training and she qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2004.
Nicki then spent 10 years as the Assistant Care Centre Manager at Town Towns Care Centre. In 2015, Chamber Training supported Nicki to study Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership in Health & Social Care. Nicki demonstrated a natural ability to relate well to people, so she took on a role as a Peripatetic Manager in Southport, supporting the HR team using skills gained during her level 5 apprenticeship. During this time, she focused on staff support, conflict resolution, legislation and training and development of staff working at Town Thorns Care Centre.
Following this, Nicki became interested in the principles of HR in the workplace and decided to change her career path. She applied and secured the role of HR Business Partner at Ben, specialising in care, and within six months she started CIPD training at Coventry University, under guidance from Diane Jackson. Nicki now works between Ben’s three care centres, located in Berwick on Tweed, Ascot, Rugby and Coventry.Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre in Rugby was established 27 years ago and, before that, it was an orphanage. The centre cares for 66 residents and offers services in: Residential & nursing care, Care for younger adults, Dementia care, Respite care, Rehabilitation and Assisted living accommodation.
Commenting on how the team at Chamber Training supported her new career path: “It was hard work to fit in study time whilst working full time and travelling to support another care centre at the time, but I found it very extremely beneficial and rewarding in terms of my future career prospects.
“I also enjoyed the on-the-job training and visiting the Chamber Training centre. Diana Jackson was so helpful and gave me specialist advice and guidance. I can now combine my nursing skills experience with my current role as HR Business Partner for Care and it’s an excellent mix.”
Chamber Training is one of the largest providers of apprenticeships with over 30 years’ experience in providing vocational training for the business community. With the team’s wealth of knowledge and experience in designing and delivery high quality apprenticeships, we make the journey easy for you.