An interview with Modern Apprentice, Gabe Balogh Gabe was born and educated in Slovakia, coming to Scotland in 2020. He joined Cornerstone for his first job in social care in July 2011 and is completing his Modern Apprenticeship in SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 7 - this will be Gabe’s first Scottish qualification. We put some questions to Gabe to get his views on his Modern Apprenticeship and how it has helped him to develop his meta-skills. What sort of meta-skills have you learnt as part of your Modern Apprenticeship? In my Modern Apprenticeship in Social Care, I have greatly improved my focus by managing a wide range of responsibilities, such as medication administration, supporting individuals with life skills, and ensuring adherence to care plans. I’ve become more adaptable by handling unexpected situations, such as addressing emergencies or changes in individual needs, while maintaining composure and problem-solving effectively. Additionally, my integrity has been strengthened by ensuring that I approach each task—such as addressing discrimination or maintaining confidentiality—with professionalism and respect. This apprenticeship has helped me refine my communication skills, particularly when discussing sensitive topics with both the people we support and colleagues. I’ve also developed a deeper sense of empathy by understanding and respecting the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals. Teamwork has been crucial, as I frequently collaborate with colleagues to deliver consistent care. My role has fostered a curious mindset, especially when seeking creative ways to enable the individuals I support to live more independently. I’ve also strengthened my problem-solving skills by addressing issues like barriers to learning or adapting tasks to meet specific needs, ensuring inclusion and empowerment. Gabe with Patrick, a person he supports. What is the most rewarding part of your Modern Apprenticeship? The most rewarding part of my Modern Apprenticeship in Social Care has been seeing the positive impact my work has on the lives of the people I support. Whether it’s helping someone develop new life skills, boosting their confidence, or enabling them to live more independently, the sense of achievement is incredibly fulfilling. For example, teaching a person how to manage their own medication or guiding them through a budgeting exercise not only builds their skills but also strengthens their independence, which is empowering to witness. Addressing and challenging discrimination has also been deeply rewarding, knowing that I am fostering a more inclusive environment. Another highlight has been the opportunity for personal growth. It’s gratifying to feel more competent in my role and to know that my efforts make a tangible difference in people's lives. "Gabe is an incredibly compassionate, respectful and diligent individual who I am sure in time will go onto become a great leader in social care. The apprenticeship has been a great learning opportunity for Gabe who has gained a lot of knowledge and understanding of process he should follow, regulation around this and it’s importance. Gabe thrives to ensure every task he does is to a high standard and has been a pleasure to assess." Which part of doing a Modern Apprenticeship has been the most interesting? What have you really enjoyed? The most interesting part of my Modern Apprenticeship has been the variety of experiences and opportunities to make a real difference in people's lives. It’s been rewarding to challenge prejudices, promote inclusivity, and create a positive environment where everyone feels valued. Another fascinating part has been learning about medication administration—it’s been a challenge to grasp the precision and importance of this task, but it’s also something I’ve enjoyed mastering due to its critical role in providing high-quality care. Above all, I’ve loved getting to know the people I support and finding creative ways to make a positive impact on their lives. The relationships I’ve built and the skills I’ve gained have made the journey not only interesting but truly enjoyable. Gabe supporting Jason to play bowling. What has been the most surprising thing about doing a Modern Apprenticeship? The most surprising thing about doing a Modern Apprenticeship has been just how much personal and professional growth I’ve achieved in such a short time. I didn’t expect the program to be so transformative. Another surprise has been how rewarding and impactful the work is. While I knew that supporting others would be meaningful, I didn’t fully appreciate how much even small actions, could profoundly affect someone’s well-being. Additionally, I was surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed and embraced the challenges that come with the apprenticeship. Facing unexpected situations or finding creative solutions has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it’s also helped me build confidence and resilience. Finally, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of community within the apprenticeship program and the broader social care team. The support from colleagues, mentors, and the people I care for has made the experience incredibly enriching and fulfilling. What would you say to someone thinking of doing a Modern Apprenticeship? I would absolutely encourage anyone considering a Modern Apprenticeship to go for it! It’s a fantastic way to learn, grow, and develop valuable skills while gaining hands-on experience in your chosen field. One of the best things about an apprenticeship is the balance between practical work and structured learning, which means you’re building your career while still being supported to develop. In Social Care, the apprenticeship is especially rewarding because you see the real impact of your efforts in the lives of the people you support. You’ll gain confidence, improve essential skills, and learn how to navigate challenges. It’s also a brilliant stepping stone for future opportunities—whether you want to specialize further, take on leadership roles, or continue learning, the experience and qualifications you gain will open many doors. If you’re someone who enjoys helping others, learning through experience, and making a difference, a Modern Apprenticeship is the perfect way to kickstart your career. Manage Cookie Preferences