A senior carer at a Sussex care home has qualified as a graduate FdSC Nursing Associate after a two-year apprenticeship with the University of Chichester.
Traian ‘Tino’ Onciul, who works at Brendoncare Stildon care home in East Grinstead, embarked on the two-year Nursing Associate apprenticeship at the University of Chichester alongside his full-time work.
Tino originally trained in psychology in Romania, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, then worked as a psychotherapist for several years. Eighteen years ago, Tino and his wife moved to the UK, both of them deciding to work in care.
He said: “I have always enjoyed supporting people. Care felt like a natural continuation of my interest in understanding and helping others.”
Around ten years ago, he joined the Brendoncare Stildon team as a senior carer, and in this role, his responsibilities included supporting nursing staff, leading shifts, allocating workloads, managing medications, and ensuring high standards of person‑centred care for residents.
His interest in nursing steadily grew and encouraged by Registered Nurse colleagues, he began assisting with clinical procedures and sought additional training through the apprenticeship.
Reflecting on his two years of study, Tino said: “The highlight was the people – my fellow trainees, the incredible university team, and the support from my workplace made all the difference.”
Balancing study, work, and family life presented challenges, particularly while caring for a six‑month‑old baby and a 12‑year‑old, but strong support from the University, as well as his managers and colleagues helped him succeed.
Tino explains how graduating has changed his role and said: “I have much more confidence in my day to day dealing with my colleagues. On a personal level, it has re-lit my fire and thirst for more and as a result, I will try to continue increasing my knowledge and qualifications.”
Dr Nita Muir, Head of School of Nursing and Allied Health at the University of Chichester, said: “Tino’s success highlights the opportunity our Nursing Associate apprenticeship offers experienced care professionals to develop and progress while remaining in practice. We are proud to support apprentices who bring such commitment and compassion to the health and social care workforce.”
To anyone considering a career in care, Tino said: “Caring is about making a difference in someone’s life. Whatever the setting, it touches everyone involved on a deeply personal level. It can be challenging, but the satisfaction it brings is something few other careers can match.”
Michael Crutchley, Brendoncare’s Chief Executive, said: “We are incredibly proud of his amazing achievement. This is a great example of how Brendoncare, as an organisation, encourages and supports its talented team members to further their careers with qualifications that will enhance their skills. This in turn is of benefit to the residents to whom Tino and his colleagues deliver exemplary care every day.”