Trainee Care Assistants will become an employee of Fold under a Fixed Term Training Contract to complete their QQI Level 5 in Care Skills and Care of the Older Person within a 9-12 month period.
Trainee Care Assistants will be a motivated individuals with an interest in care, who has a minimum experience of a Leaving Certificate, or equivalent, and will be available to work in one of our 2 Home with Care Schemes, Anam Cara or Cherryfields.
Fold will cover the costs of the QQI training and will provide all mandatory and additional training currently offered to Fold care colleagues. They will be enrolled to complete their QQI Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support.
For the duration of the contract the trainee will work as a Care Assistant in addition to our existing daily staffing complement in the scheme.
In addition, Fold will pay the Trainee for 6 hours per week of study, to be completed in their own time, to support the completion of their coursework. Payment of these hours will be made at the end of the successful completion of the course and attainment of the qualification. If the Trainee fails to complete the course there will not be any payment for these study hours.
Following successful completion of the QQI Level 5 Care of the Older Person qualification, the trainee may apply for a Care Assistant contract or Bank Panel (which includes a 6 months’ probation period). This will be subject to the normal interview process and availability of suitable roles within Fold.
Fold Housing is a fantastic place to start and grow your career in care, and Cheryl Robinson’s story is a perfect example:
Meet Cheryl Robinson – Senior Care Worker in Anam Cara
I began my journey in Fold in November 2007 as a part- time cleaner, and by January 2008, I had moved to a full-time position. In April 2008, an opportunity became available in the laundry where I stayed for eight years. I loved the daily interaction with our residents and Fold recognised my potential. In 2012 the organisation supported me in obtaining a QQI Level 5 qualification and building my skills as a Carer. Not long after I secured full time care assistant position.
I was always motivated to continue to develop and in 2015 I began training as a Senior Care Worker. I completed all the necessary training and worked in an acting capacity for 3 years. In 2018 I interviewed for a permanent position, which I continue to hold to this day. In my current role I have taken on additional management responsibilities. I love my job and feel I make a positive impact on the team and our residents in Anam Cara.
I started working with Fold when I was 17, so I have grown up with the organisation. It amazes me how much this journey has shaped me into the person I am today. What I appreciate most is the how I have always been encouraged to progress and develop. Fold wants to keep me moving forward and supported me every step of the way.
For further details on the roles and responsibilities of the Trainee Care Assistant, please see below:
Trainee Care Assistant Programme Details PDF
Trainee Care Assistant Job Placement Description PDF
If you are interested in kickstarting your career in care and want to apply to our Traineeship programme launching Summer 2025, please submit your CV / Letter of Interest here: [inbox to be created]. We look forward to hearing from you!
