Apprentice Samantha ‘Captures’ Hearts And Minds At National Awards Event

Samantha Taws, a Care Worker from Newcastle’s Comfort Call, has been named ‘Care Apprentice of the Year’. She beat off stiff competition from two other outstanding shortlisted care apprentices at a national apprenticeship awards ceremony held at The London Dungeon yesterday.

Samantha (31), who lives in the Brockley Whins Estate in South Shields received the award as part of the sixth annual Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards, which were hosted by national apprenticeship training provider, Lifetime Training. Each year, the Lifetime Training team scours the country to find the most deserving of apprentices, people who are going above and beyond and achieving their career aspirations through hard work and determination.

Samantha was interviewed by a panel of industry judges before being treated to lunch at the Riverside Rooms and a trip on the London Eye. She was trained by Lifetime Trainer Victoria Herbert and this is her story:

Samantha Taws, Care Worker and Lifetime Training care apprentice, said:

“I was really proud the day I finished it all, as this gave me a huge confidence boost. I chose to study the dementia Pathway so I could learn more about it as I find it very interesting and wanted to be a great carer for my service users who suffer from a form of dementia.

“My advice for anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship would be to talk it over with your Manager and the Lifetime Trainer, to find out if it would suit you. Don’t let a lack of confidence or self-esteem stop you from doing it if you really want to.”

Alison Simpson, Operations Director – Care at Lifetime Training, added:

“Although all finalists demonstrated momentous effort and achievement both throughout and following their learning journeys, Samantha was an obvious choice. The judging panel were particularly impressed with the development of their sector knowledge and skills.”