No Care Experience? No Problem: How Josh Built a Career at The Meath

When Josh joined The Meath in 2020, he had no previous experience in social care. Nearly five years later, he is a Senior Support Worker and is developing his career further through The Meath Apprenticeship Scheme.

Seeking a New Challenge

In 2020, when Josh joined The Meath, the UK was experiencing the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, he found lockdown challenging, particularly because he was unable to work. He explained

“It was obviously a very serious time. Like everyone, I wanted to keep safe, but I also wanted to keep busy. At that time there was a focus on keyworkers, and the people who were keeping everything going. I was looking locally for a job where I could keep busy, be helpful and not be furloughed in another lockdown.”

No Previous Care Experience

Despite having no previous Care work experience, Josh explained why The Meath was his first port of call.

“I knew some of the people we support and Meath staff members from being customers of mine. I’m a people person and enjoyed chatting to them. It also sounded like a positive place to work.”

Challenging Stereotypes

Josh explained that, as a young man, he had some reservations at first. He was initially unsure whether support work would be the right career for him, particularly because of the personal care aspects of the role. He reflected

“I was initially worried about this aspect of the role, but I realise now that it was due to outdated stereotypical ideas about caring roles being more ‘suited’ to females.

Also, personal care is an important aspect of the role, but it is only one aspect. It is also beneficial for the people we support to have both male and female Support Staff. It is important that support work is seen as a rewarding career for everyone, regardless of gender.

Enablement and helping people to enjoy their day as best as possible is at the heart of the role, and that is what I love most about it.”

Transferable Skills from Hospitality and Retail

Despite being new to working in care, Josh soon realised that he had lots of transferable skills from both retail and hospitality. He asserts that

“Both are frontline jobs, and both often include the need to constantly reassess priorities in a changing environment. These are useful skills to have as a Support Worker and especially at The Meath. I think we are probably a bit more dynamic and vibrant than some other adult social care settings. This often requires staff to think quickly and adapt to changing situations.”

Josh also realised that his previous roles had developed strong teamwork and communication skills, both of which are essential for support workers at The Meath.

Career Progression

During his first few years at The Meath, Josh worked at Bradbury House. Here, Josh worked alongside Senior Support Worker Bradley, who is now Service Manager at Bradbury Wing.

After three and a half years at Bradbury House, Josh was seconded to support the team at Bradbury Wing, where Bradley had also begun work. He recalled that originally the secondment was for just two weeks. However, despite having loved supporting residents at Bradbury House, he realised that there was an opportunity to develop his career with the team at Bradbury Wing.

Having worked well together over the previous year, Josh was also pleased to follow in Bradley’s footsteps and benefit from his experience and support. When the opportunity to apply for a Senior Support Worker role arose, Josh jumped at the chance and landed the role in January 2025. He explained

“I wanted to use my team leader skills to support both the team and the people we support. I really enjoy getting involved and helping make a positive difference wherever I can.”

Embodying Meath Values

Bradley believes Josh’s success comes from his commitment to The Meath’s values and his determination to empower the people we support. He believes that

“What stands out most about Josh is his commitment to empowering the people we support. He embodies our Meath Values. He is passionate about helping people develop their independence, ensuring everyone has a voice, and advocating for those who may not be able to do so themselves.”

Professional Development

In Spring 2026, Josh enrolled onto the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Social Care as part of The Meath Apprenticeship scheme. With learning modules underway, he is slowly but surely gaining confidence and enjoying the course. Bradley is supporting Josh as a mentor and commented

“I enjoy supporting him, especially as I can draw from my own learning experience, having completed the course. He is doing really well, and it is rewarding to see his confidence grow as he progresses through the course. Currently Josh is exceeding all learning expectations and should be incredibly proud!”

Bradley has been keen to support Josh with taking his Level 3 Diploma and is pleased with his commitment to learning to date. He comments that

“Josh has shown real dedication to his studies and is enthusiastic about turning this knowledge into further career progression.

More importantly, he is keen to use what he has learned to continue developing the service and improving the quality of care we provide to the people we support. That commitment to learning, growth and excellence is exactly what makes Josh such a valued member of the team.”

The Meath Apprenticeship Scheme

The apprenticeship scheme offers staff the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications while continuing to work, helping them build skills and progress their careers.

How can Meath staff apply for an apprenticeship?

Staff interested in developing their skills and qualifications should speak to their line manager and complete an online application. Apprenticeships are fully funded, completed during work time, and provide a valuable opportunity for career progression.

Interested in a career where you can make a difference and continue to grow professionally?