Neil Harker’s journey began at Willow Green, joining us in 2024 as a Kitchen Assistant, he has since shown his ambition to progress within St Martins Care. 

Naturally community-spirited

Neil decided to work in care as he felt instinctively that it was a good opportunity suited to him. He has always taken part in caring opportunities, whether it was putting on shows for local children, dressing up to visit the elderly, joining in with learning disability events, or working at the local foodbank. With his sociable, community-driven character and desire to learn a new skill, he applied for the opportunity at Willow Green.

Development opportunities

Neil knew he wanted to advance within St Martins Care and the catering offer, so he started a Production Chef course last year. Now 41 weeks into the 56-week course, he is exceeding expectations. 

Neil is often asking for more assignments, has firmly stepped outside his comfort zone and has joined master classes at Blackfriars Newcastle, where he has completed various courses. He has also taken courses on vegan and vegetarian requirements, how to prepare and present meals, fish filleting and cookery masterclasses.

Addressing challenges with St Martins Care 

Neil was initially apprehensive about the course content. Whether his dyslexia would be acknowledged, St Martins Care and the course provider have both worked with Neil to ensure the course is structured in the best way for him to progress through the qualification.

Another challenge Neil has overcome is his concern about travelling to unknown places to attend courses at Blackfriars. 

Neil says, “St. Martins Care has been very supportive since joining Willow Green. They help with travel costs to courses, enable me to take time to continue with my learning, but importantly, have given me the chance to join the production chef course. Running alongside this St Martins Care has helped me work through my comfort zones.”

Neil’s advice

When asked what advice he would give to someone starting a career in care, Neil shared, “Working in care can be a challenge, but if you get the opportunity to work in this environment, then you have a chance to make a difference to people’s lives. It’s a rewarding career and every day can be different.”

What about your career in care?

Supporting Neil’s upskilling journey provides our residents with nutritious and tasty meals that can be adjusted to suit any dietary requirements. 

CEO, Hayley Robertshaw, said “I am so proud of Neil and his commitment to his professional development, we may have opened the door to new learning but he has given 100% to every new challenge presented to him, stayed focused and pushed himself out of his comfort zone. He represents everything St Martins Care is passionate about, developing our people to improve what we do in all aspects of our work”. 

We provide countless opportunities for growth and development at St Martins Care. So our team can grow in their rewarding and valuable career.