Leeds City College

Kobe McGill began his career in adult care with no prior experience in the field, yet his dedication, empathy, and natural ability to support others quickly set him apart. Now having successfully completed his Level 2 Adult Care apprenticeship, Kobe has progressed into a Level 3 Health Support Worker role. He works as a support worker in a supported living service for adults with learning disabilities, providing care in their own homes and out in the community.

Choosing an apprenticeship allowed Kobe to gain a recognised qualification while applying his learning directly in practice. “I genuinely care about the people I support and want to make a positive difference,” he explains. His journey began with a rigorous interview process, where he impressed the panel – including individuals with learning disabilities he would later support – with his maturity, empathy, and commitment to person-centred care.

From the start, Kobe demonstrated natural strengths in building relationships, de-escalating challenging situations, and providing thoughtful, personalised support. His calm and empathetic approach enabled him to gain the trust of the individuals he worked with, making a meaningful impact on their daily lives.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Kobe consistently met his targets, completed assignments to a high standard, and engaged actively in classroom and practical learning. He developed key skills in person-centred care, safeguarding, understanding relevant laws and legislation, and recognising his responsibilities and boundaries within his role. His apprenticeship tutor, Rosemary Parker, says: “Kobe was highly engaged during teaching sessions, contributing thoughtfully to group and individual activities and demonstrating reflective practice.”

Kobe also made a significant contribution to his peers, offering guidance and reassurance to those experiencing anxiety or struggling with their work, helping to create a supportive and positive learning environment. His commitment and hard work were recognised when he achieved a Merit overall in his End Point Assessment, received an award from his Trust for specialised support and life skills, and most recently, was presented with the Adult Skills Advancement Award at the Luminate Apprenticeship Awards.

Reflecting on his apprenticeship, Kobe says it has had a profound effect on his confidence and professional development: “It helped me develop my decision-making, approach my role more thoughtfully, and see how much I’ve grown in my work.” The experience has strengthened his ambition to progress within adult care and mental health, and his move into a Level 3 Health Support Worker role marks an exciting next step in that journey.

Kobe is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships: “They allow you to learn on the job, build confidence, and gain a recognised qualification at the same time.” His journey demonstrates how dedication, empathy, and structured learning can transform both personal growth and professional practice, making him a valued member of his workplace and an inspiring example for others entering the care sector.