An inspirational woman who wanted to be a role model for her children has been awarded the top accolade at a week-long ceremony to recognise successful apprentices.

Mother of three, Katie Fitzsimons, 35, of Whitehaven, was named Most Outstanding Apprentice after excelling in her role at the integrated housing and care provider Home Group – despite starting during the first lockdown and having to juggle home schooling.

Working as an apprentice housing manager, Katie, who is also a customer with the housing association, won the award after showing her willingness to go above and beyond to support others during the pandemic.

Katie said: “I realised I could actually make a difference to people’s lives and help in ways I never had the power to do before - from understanding where to signpost customers to other organisations, to collecting food hampers for customers in need and dropping them off at their homes.

“Growing up in a council estate, I understand the struggles because I have been there myself as a young single mother. Growing up in the area I now work in has helped a lot because the customers know me and feel comfortable talking to me. I can empathise with their situations and I really believe I have made a difference to people in my area.”

Despite now thriving in her role, Katie almost didn’t attend the initial interview at Home Group as she was worried about being too old for an apprenticeship and felt she didn’t stand a chance.

“I had always managed bars and clubs on nights and weekends and, being a single mother, it was hard. I was very apprehensive and didn’t think I would even get a call back because of my age. I assumed an apprentice would be a school or college leaver.

“After a few weeks I got a call asking me to attend an interview and, even on the morning, I thought about not attending. I felt nervous and embarrassed about my age and didn’t think I would stand a chance. I explained I had my children at a young age and wanted to better myself to make them proud, and to achieve more in my life.

“It just proves you can do anything you put your mind to, and you are never too old to start over."

"If you’re looking for a change, to gain new qualifications, are leaving school or just need a fresh start, then doing an apprenticeship is a brilliant way to get into something new.”

Part of Katie’s role is the letting of homes to customers and she’s shown a real passion for finding people a suitable place to live.

An example was one vulnerable customer who she had built a rapport with and supported them to move in, despite it falling on her day off.

She has also helped people to source free furniture for their homes and encouraged fellow customers to engage more with Home Group. Katie has been instrumental in building trust with local people - some of whom have historically been hard to reach.

During the height of the pandemic, Katie also persuaded a customer with one of the longest overdue gas safety checks to allow it to be completed; texting reminders every day in the run up to the appointment and standing in the garden while the gas service was completed.

Caroline McDonald, Operations Manager at Home Group and Katie’s nominator for the award, said: “I am absolutely delighted she has won.

“Katie is a great asset to the team. She is always positive and happy to volunteer for tasks and add to her knowledge. She is hard working and always wants to do the best for our customers and her colleagues.

“Being a customer, Katie can sometimes see things from a different perspective when we are discussing issues. It makes us more aware of communicating properly, explaining next steps, and what we can do to make things more transparent.

“She has had a lot to cope with; being a single parent of three children, starting a new job and doing something completely different. She embodies Home Group’s values every single day.”

Apprentice Recognition Week saw hundreds of nominations from colleagues across Home Group, which has over 115,000 customers and 55,000 properties in England and Scotland, including around 15,000 people with mental and physical health issues.

In 2019, Home Group was named the Best Large Employer at the National Apprenticeship Awards and offer 70 apprenticeships annually that are specifically for Home Group customers.

Designed to support people into employment, including roles in housing, health and social care, business administration and customer service, around 80% of all Home Group apprentices move into long term employment with the organisation.