Celyn’s award-winning apprenticeship journey

We talk to Celyn, a Team Leader at Sunnyside House, who was a winner at the 2026 Lifetime Apprentice Awards, in recognition of her dedication, growth and outstanding impact.

Celyn joined Choice Care in August 2020, following a career change during the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously working as a dairy farmer for three years, Celyn found herself needing a new direction when her role came to an end.

Since joining Sunnyside House Celyn has grown into a confident and compassionate Team Leader, empowering  the people we support to live the lives they want to live and making a difference.

Celyn enrolled on her apprenticeship to continue learning alongside her role and has successfully achieved her Level 3 Adult Social Care apprenticeship and is currently completing her Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship.

“I enrolled onto the apprenticeship to expand my knowledge and learn new things. I have found the experience very enjoyable and rewarding.”

Balancing work, learning, and personal life can be challenging, but Celyn has embraced the flexibility of apprenticeships at Choice Care.

“I am able to do my apprenticeship within the workday and at home, which has really helped me apply what I’ve learned straight into my work at Sunnyside.”

Her learning has directly supported her career progression, strengthening her confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

Celyn was nominated for her outstanding commitment to learning, proactive approach to development, and ability to translate knowledge into practice. Her manager says:

“Throughout her apprenticeship, she has consistently demonstrated high-quality work, strong performance and a willingness to go above and beyond. Her learning has had a clear and positive impact at Sunnyside, improving team workflows, enhancing outcomes for the people we support and driving meaningful change across the service. Celyn’s confidence and leadership have grown significantly, and she has become a strong role model for colleagues following a similar pathway.”

Being shortlisted for – and then winning – the award was a very proud moment for Celyn.

“I was so happy to win the award. I haven’t been nominated for an award before.”

Looking to the future, Celyn hopes to continue progressing within Choice Care.

“I hope to progress into higher management with the qualifications I have from the apprenticeships and prove to myself I am doing well in my job.”

She is also passionate about encouraging others to follow the apprenticeship route.

“I would encourage other colleagues to become an apprentice so they can learn and gain new skills and knowledge within their roles and have a better understanding of the people we support.”

Congratulations, Celyn!