We are incredibly proud to announce that Katie, Acting Manager at Ciderstone House, has been named a national finalist in the Higher Apprentice of the Year Award category at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2026, following her success at the South West Regional Awards!
The National Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices across the country, recognising individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to learning, personal development and making a positive difference within their organisations.
Katie joined Choice Care in 2018 as a Social Care Worker and has since progressed to her role now as Acting Manager, leading a team of 19 colleagues. Throughout her career, she has achieved Distinctions in both her Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications, balancing her studies with full-time work and raising a family.
Having struggled with traditional education due to dyslexia, Katie’s apprenticeships transformed her confidence and helped her discover a passion for learning. She has since used her experience to encourage others to develop their skills, with most of her team having completed, or currently working towards, a qualification with her support.
Katie has also used the knowledge gained through her apprenticeships to make impactful improvements to the support provided at her service. From transforming colleague supervisions into more supportive and valuable conversations to developing accessible medication information and menopause resources, her initiatives have helped empower the people we support and improve the quality of care.
Her dedication to making a difference extends beyond Choice Care. Katie co-founded Embrace All, a non-profit community group creating inclusive social opportunities for people with disabilities, including accessible club nights and an annual festival.
Speaking about her success at the regional awards and reaching the national final, Katie said:
“I never expected to make it this far, so winning at the regional awards and being invited to the national final has been a wonderful surprise. I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received and excited to represent Choice Care in London.”
Katie’s achievements are a wonderful reflection of the positive impact apprenticeships can have, and her commitment to supporting both colleagues and the people we support makes her a truly deserving finalist.
