22nd October 2024
Sanctuary
A former Sanctuary apprentice is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for her work championing apprenticeships to others.
Katie Davies, who is now a talent acquisition planner at Sanctuary after completing her customer service apprenticeship, was named Skills Champion of the Year at the West Midlands regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards.
The skills champion award recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills and promote apprenticeships to others with passion and enthusiasm.
Since completing her apprenticeship in 2023 Katie has continued to serve as an Apprentice Ambassador, sharing the benefits of apprenticeships to others both within Sanctuary and at schools, colleges and career fairs across the region.
She also volunteers her time with a charity supporting members of the Gypsy Romany Traveller community, talking with young people about her own experiences and making them aware of the vocational education opportunities available.
This is the second successive year that Katie has been recognised at the West Midlands awards. She was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at last year’s ceremony, as well as picking up honours at the 2023 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) awards.
Katie said: “My apprenticeship at Sanctuary was a fantastic opportunity, and I’m passionate about sharing my own personal experience with others and supporting them as they think about their futures.
“I’m really proud that I’ve been able to make a positive impact through that work.”
Sanctuary’s national apprenticeship programme was established in 2008 and has since supported more than 2,000 people into work, both directly and indirectly through development partners.
Apprentices work in a variety of business areas, including finance, business and administration, IT, housing and health and social care, gaining valuable workplace experience while studying for practical qualifications alongside their day-to-day role.
Nicole Seymour, Executive Director - Corporate Services, said: “We’re real believers in apprenticeships at Sanctuary. We recognise both the value they add for businesses and the opportunities they can offer to anyone looking to unlock their potential and realise their goals.
“We are hugely proud of Katie for everything she has achieved, both during her apprenticeship and as she continues to develop in her career.”
