When I moved to the UK from Germany, I needed a job while I settled into a new country.
I joined Bluebird Care as a Care Assistant to earn some extra money while building my new life.
At that point, I couldn't have imagined where that decision would take me.
The more involved I became, the more I realised social care offered a career I was genuinely passionate about.
Before moving to the UK, my career had taken me in a very different direction.
I'd studied Mechanical Engineering before going on to study International Business and Marketing. Social care wasn't part of my long-term plan.
But working alongside customers every day changed my perspective.
I discovered how rewarding it was to help people remain independent in their own homes and how much I enjoyed supporting both customers and colleagues.
As I gained experience, new opportunities began to open up.
I progressed from Care Assistant to Care Coordinator and now work as Deputy Manager, with every role helping me develop new skills and take on greater responsibility.
Throughout my career, my directors encouraged me to challenge myself and supported me every step of the way.
They recognised my potential before I fully recognised it myself.
Their encouragement gave me the confidence to keep learning and keep progressing.
Alongside my day-to-day role, I've completed my Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management and become a qualified trainer in medication, safeguarding and moving and handling.
The training I've received has helped me develop as both a leader and a mentor, giving me the opportunity to support other colleagues as they build their own careers.
Today, no two days are the same.
As Deputy Manager, I work closely with customers, families and our care team to make sure people receive the support that's right for them while helping colleagues develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
One of the things I'd most like to change is the way people think about careers in social care.
Too many people only see the role in front of them.
They don't see the opportunities to specialise, develop leadership skills or build a long-term career.
Looking back, I'm grateful I took a chance on a role I knew very little about.
The people we support today are the generation who once cared for us. Being able to give something back while building a career I'm proud of is something I never expected when I first joined Bluebird Care.
Watch Veticana's story
Hear Veticana talk about moving to the UK, discovering a career in social care and how she progressed from Care Assistant to Deputy Manager while developing new leadership skills.
Could this be your story?
Like Veticana, many of our colleagues join Bluebird Care without expecting to build a long-term career. With training, encouragement and opportunities to progress, they've developed new skills, taken on leadership roles and discovered careers they never imagined.
Whether you're taking your first step into care or looking for your next opportunity, we'll support you to grow and achieve your ambitions.
Explore our latest vacancies and discover where a career with Bluebird Care could take you.
Veticana Gitau
Veticana Gitau
/
East Midlands
