Anchor has announced the two winners of the 2022 Anchor Apprenticeship Awards. Lucie Cerna, 32, from Anchor’s Beech Hall care home in Leeds and Daliah Ifeanyi, 20, from Anchor’s Kerria Court care home in Birmingham won the Apprentice of the Year and Rising Star awards respectively at a final ceremony held virtually.

Lucie and Daliah beat dozens of other finalists to take the two top prizes, with the judging panel impressed by their levels of maturity and professionalism. Both winners celebrated their wins with their colleagues. 

Daliah was delighted with her win, saying: “I’m so proud and honoured to win the Anchor Rising Star award. It was a lovely surprise just to get nominated! I’m grateful to everyone at Anchor’s Kerria Court care home for supporting me and giving me this opportunity.”

Lucie was also overjoyed, saying: I’ve always wanted to do something to help others and I’m so touched to get an award for doing what I love. I’ve found my work as an apprentice really rewarding and I’ve learned so much from everyone around me. This wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for my amazing colleagues who have pushed me to be my very best from the very start!”

Dorothy Alexander, Anchor’s apprenticeship specialist and a judge of the 2022 Anchor Apprenticeship Awards, was full of praise for the winners.

She said: “Lucie and Daliah had some incredibly stiff competition in the final, but it was clear that they are both excellent team players and show unwavering commitment to the residents in their care. They’re both dedicated to their learning journey on Anchor’s Apprenticeship programme. 

Anchor’s apprenticeship scheme is open to all school leavers and provides a great entry into the care sector for those interested in a career in care. To find out more about Anchor’s apprenticeship scheme and the Anchor Apprenticeship Awards please click here.