A former apprentice has been honoured with a prestigious award for championing apprenticeships.

Katie Davies, who began her career as a customer service apprentice, was recognised as the Skills Champion of the Year at the West Midlands regional finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards.

She was acknowledged for her outstanding skills and her enthusiastic promotion of apprenticeships to others at the Worcester-based Sanctuary Housing.

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Miss Davies, now a talent acquisition planner at the housing association, has served as an Apprentice Ambassador since completing her apprenticeship in 2023.

She shared the advantages of apprenticeships within the company and at schools, colleges, and career fairs across the region.

Her contributions extend to volunteering with a charity supporting individuals from the Gypsy Romany Traveller community, where she discusses her own experiences and raises awareness about vocational education opportunities.

Miss Davies 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."

This is the second year in a row that Miss Davies has been acknowledged at the West Midlands awards.

She was recognised as Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at last year’s ceremony, and also received honours at the 2023 Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) awards.

Miss Davies' achievements highlight the success of the housing association's national apprenticeship programme, established in 2008, which has helped more than 2,000 people into work.

Apprentices at the company gain experience in various business areas, including finance, IT, housing, and health and social care, while pursuing practical qualifications.

Nicole Seymour, Sanctuary’s 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."