Apprentice Care and Support Assistant in Ipswich

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, GB, IP4 3DH

Operation: Sanctuary Supported Living

Closing Date: 03/06/2026

Salary: £18,720.00 per year

Requisition: 228356

37.5 hours per week

Imagine kickstarting your career doing work that matters, and getting paid to learn as you go. As an Apprentice Care and Support Assistant with Sanctuary Supported Living, you will make a real difference from day one by supporting people with mental health needs, while working towards a free, fully funded Health and Social Care qualification. You’ll be supported by a welcoming team who value your ideas and want to see you grow. The role offers structure and purpose, giving you the chance to build confidence, develop practical skills, and support people in meaningful ways that change lives. As a not‑for‑profit organisation, we reinvest in our people and services, so your development comes first, with real opportunities to progress once you qualify. Here, your potential matters, and we will support you to BeYourBest and feel genuinely valued.

Your role:

• Provide personalised care and support to each customer, empowering them to live as independently as possible – you’ll tailor your approach to individual needs and help people build confidence in daily life.
• Assist customers with day‑to‑day tasks like washing, dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene, always respecting their dignity and comfort – some days you might simply be a listening ear and a friendly face – small things that make a big difference.
• Help customers manage their medications safely and accurately (with full training provided) – you’ll make sure they take the right medication at the right time, following proper procedures to keep everyone safe.
• Lend a hand with everyday tasks – from grocery shopping and tidying up, to helping with laundry or preparing a light meal, you’ll support people in keeping a well‑organised, comfortable home.
• Help customers set up and attend appointments, whether it’s a GP visit, therapy session, or social activity.
• Foster a positive, supportive environment – you’ll engage with customers in hobbies or group activities and encourage social interaction.
• Keep clear, accurate records of the support you provide (from logging daily notes to updating care plans).

Qualifications:

• You treat everyone as an individual – you’re patient, a good listener, and you understand the importance of person‑centred care.
• You can manage your time, handle paperwork accurately, and maintain routines for multiple customers.
• Strong communication – you can build trust and rapport with people easily, whether you’re chatting with a customer over a cup of tea or reporting something important to a colleague.
• You’re comfortable using a computer or tablet (for example, to send an email, record your support notes, or do online training modules).
• To join this apprenticeship, you will need a level 2 grade 4 (C) in English and maths, or an equivalent qualification – if you are under 19 and do not yet have a grade 4 (C) or above, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills level 2 as part of the programme.

Your rewards:

• You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 25 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme matched up to 5%, we offer a package to help you thrive:
• Growth and development – fully‑funded training and ongoing development opportunities – we’ll help you gain new skills and achieve industry qualifications, opening doors to your future career.
• Inclusive culture and flexibility – work in an environment where everyone belongs – with flexible working options, a Youth Panel, and active staff networks (LGBTQ+ Network "PRISM", Disability, Race Equality, and Parent network) to support you; we celebrate diversity and will make sure you can be your authentic self at work.
• Lifestyle perks – save money with exclusive retail discounts, a Cycle to Work scheme, and salary sacrifice options.
• Health and wellbeing support – enjoy free access to Aviva Digicare+ (virtual GP appointments) and confidential Employee Assistance Programme support for medical, financial, and legal advice, plus short‑term counselling when you need it.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Parental leave arrangements, paid volunteering days, and annual leave purchase scheme.

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information. Inclusion is one of our core values. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.