This World Social Work Day, we’re celebrating one of our own. For Klaudja Cela, Residential Social Care Worker, supporting children and young people is about more than providing care – it’s about helping them feel safe, understood, and empowered. Based at Meridian, one of the Together Trust charity’s short breaks services, Klaudja has been part of the organisation for nearly four years and recently completed the Children, Young People and Families Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship.
Reflecting on her journey, Klaudja describes the apprenticeship as a valuable opportunity to grow while continuing to work directly with the young people that we support:
“The apprenticeship gave me the chance to develop my knowledge and skills while working in practice,” she explains. “It helped me understand not just what we do, but why we do it.”
Learning while working
The apprenticeship begins around six months into employment at the Together Trust, following a successful probation period, and runs over two years.
Delivered in partnership with DHA, it allows employees to gain a recognised qualification alongside their day-to-day role. Each learner is supported by a dedicated assessor, with employees automatically enrolled by the Together Trust’s Learning and Development team.
For Klaudja, the decision to take part came from a genuine passion for her work:
“Working in childcare showed me how important it is to have practitioners who don’t just care, but who also have the right knowledge, skills, and professional frameworks to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.”
Building confidence and skills
Throughout the apprenticeship, Klaudja explored a wide range of topics, including safeguarding, legislation, child development, communication, and theory. One of the most significant areas of learning for her was safeguarding:
“I learned not only the theory behind policies and procedures, but how to apply them in real practice to keep children and young people safe.”
She also particularly enjoyed the communication workbook, which challenged her to think differently about how young people express themselves.
“It really helped me recognise that communication goes beyond words. Every young person has their own unique way of expressing themselves.”
This learning has had a lasting impact on her day-to-day practice, strengthening relationships and helping young people feel heard and understood.
Support every step of the way
Klaudja speaks positively about the support she received throughout her apprenticeship, both within her placement and across the Together Trust:
“There were times when I struggled and needed extra time, but I was always met with patience and understanding,” she says.
“My colleagues and managers were always approachable.”
She gives particular thanks to Caroline – Registered Manager at Meridian, Clare – Assistant Manager at Meridian, and her supervisor Laura – Senior Residential Social Care Worker at Meridian, whose encouragement helped build her confidence and keep her motivated.
Making a difference in practice
The training has also helped Klaudja feel more confident when supporting young people through challenging moments:
“Instead of focusing only on behaviour, I learned to stay calm, give space, communicate clearly, and try to understand the feelings behind what was happening.”
By using de-escalation techniques and a child-centred approach, Klaudja is able to respond more thoughtfully and effectively, helping young people feel supported during times of distress.
Looking to the future
Klaudja is keen to continue developing her practice at Meridian and deepen her understanding of conditions associated with autism, including PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
“I want to adapt my practice and provide more tailored support,” she explains. “That learning will benefit the young people I work with and help me progress in my career.”
Her advice to others considering the apprenticeship is simple:
“Definitely go for it. These qualifications stay with you for life. And if you do struggle, don’t be afraid to ask for support, it really is there.”
Klaudja’s journey is a great example of how Together Trust supports employees to grow through learning and development. By building her skills and confidence through the Level 4 apprenticeship, she continues to deliver high-quality, child-centred support at Meridian, making a positive difference for children and young people.
Interested in a career like Klaudja’s? Explore our careers at the Together Trust page to find out how you can develop your skills, gain qualifications, and make a real difference: careers.togethertrust.org.uk
