TWO colleagues who together have clocked-up more than 65 years at a care company are retiring this month.

Both John Carrington and Margaret Watkins joined Czajka Care Group as care assistants.

John started with the group in 1985, having already spent a decade in the industry.

Over the years he has served in various roles at Czajka – whose nursing homes include Currergate in Steeton and Beanlands, Cross Hills.

His jobs have covered care and administration and he has worked as a personal assistant to the managing director.

For the past eight years he has served in a recruitment role and was part of a national team of industry ambassadors formed by Skills for Care.

“I was particularly proud of being chosen to be part of the special group of frontline care staff that inspire and encourage more people into the industry in my role as an ‘I Care ambassador’,” he said. “I have been able to highlight the numerous jobs available in the industry and hopefully get across the passion I have for it.

“Sharing my knowledge and training philosophy with so many people in schools, colleges, job centres and employment organisations has been very rewarding and I will miss it.”

Margaret progressed to senior care assistant before becoming training officer at Fairmount Nursing Home in Nab Wood.

She then took on a training role for the whole group of homes, as well as the community care division before it was sold.

As senior training manager, she has run a programme for all new staff at Czajka as well as for a number of other care and nursing homes across Bradford and Keighley.

She said: “Helping people progress from gaining their care certificates to achieving their level 2, 3, 4 and 5 diplomas is what has driven me for so long.

“The paperwork that comes with the role has been an ongoing challenge, but all the hard work has definitely been worth it. It’s great to have seen so many people succeed over the years with our support.”

Group managing director, Konrad Czajka, pays tribute to them both.

“To say they will be missed is an understatement!” he said.

“Margaret and John are a part of who we are.

“They have worked tirelessly over the years, with a sensible and calm approach to everything.”