Building a Career in Social Care
Leaving school can feel like a leap into the unknown. For Stephanie Graham, now a Lead Practitioner with Carr Gomm, it was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
“When I left school, I found the step into working life exciting, but I was also very nervous about the unknown. I was a teenage mum and already mature for my age; however, nothing prepares you for that step. Luckily, I had the best colleagues who made this transition so easy and supportive, and they guided me well to become the care worker I am today.” – Stephanie
Starting Out in Social Care
Stephanie’s journey began close to home. Her mum already worked with Carr Gomm and told her about the benefits of being a Support Practitioner in the community.
“I always enjoyed helping others, and I wanted to give back to the generation that worked and fought for the life I have today,” she says.
From those first days, Stephanie progressed quickly, moving from Support Practitioner to Lead Practitioner, and even stepping in as Acting Service Manager when needed.
Growing in Confidence
Along the way, Stephanie discovered the rewards and challenges of a career in social care.
“There are many things I enjoy about my job – the feeling of knowing I am helping someone, the satisfaction of my work, the variety and the unknown. Most importantly, it’s about the clients I support and the reassurance they feel when I’m there to lend a hand.”
“The hardest part at the beginning,” she recalls, “was being put on the spot and needing to think fast.” Eleven years later, she feels like an expert: “It comes naturally.”
Stephanie also credits her role with shaping her as a person. “When I first started with Carr Gomm, I was shy, insecure, and lacked confidence. Since working in care, I’ve grown so much. I’m more confident, I’ve seen different sides of life, and I can face situations without panicking.”
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Stephanie accepting our Time to Shine Award in the Innovation category, 2023
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Stephanie graduating from Gomm’s Service Managers Development Programme, 2023
Recognition and Achievements
In 2023, Stephanie accepted the Time to Shine Award in the Innovation category on behalf of her team in Argyll and Bute.
The award recognised their creative response to rising energy costs and power cuts during the winter of 2022. Support Practitioners in the area designed and distributed Keep Warm Kits, filled with essential items to help people stay warm and safe in their homes. The initiative made a real difference to people in the community who were struggling through the cost-of-living crisis.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Keep Warm Kits
Advice for Young People
Stephanie encourages today’s school leavers to think about social care as a career.
“You have multiple opportunities to climb the ladder and make something of yourself. The best start needs the most supportive foundation, and that comes from your colleagues around you – you learn so much from their experience.
Social Care is not just about cleaning. You can be the face someone looks forward to seeing, the hand they hold when family are busy, or the ear they need when they want someone to listen. It is a career that really matters.”
Inspired by Stephanie’s Journey?
We support people across Scotland to live their best lives. Our teams provide outcomes-focused support that helps people stay independent, enjoy their hobbies, and achieve the goals that matter most to them.
We welcome new Support Practitioners to join our teams, where you’ll receive training, guidance, and the chance to achieve your SVQ in Health and Social Care. A career in social care offers variety, meaningful work, and the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
Start your journey with us and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Explore Our Opportunities and Start Building your Career in Social Care Today