Sonya receives Gold Award from Partnership Training

Sonya receives Gold Award from Partnership Training

Sonya Rowlinson has been awarded a top learner accolade, the Gold Award, by the care sector training specialists, Partnership Training.

Sonya, a Service Manager at Autism Initiatives, was awarded the prestigious accolade by Partnership Training due to her commitment to learning, and her achievements in her career path.

Partnership Training Ltd are a national training provider who specialise in providing Health and Social Care Apprenticeships for those working in support and leadership and management roles.

Out of 180 nominees, Sonya is one of only 12 winners chosen from across the UK based on their drive and passion, their ability, their work with the tutor and their vision and scope.

Sharon Saund, Director at Partnership Training said:

“It’s amazing to hear about Sonya’s passion and drive for making people’s lives better… Sonya shines in her role, and has pulled these amazing qualities into her apprenticeship. She is learning how all these qualities can help to benefit the wider team that she works alongside.”

Sonya was informed of her learner achievement accolade by her course tutor, Lisa Cooper, in June and the award was presented to her at a celebration in Autism Initiatives head office on 1^st October 2024. Some of Sonya’s colleagues and the team from Partnership Training attended the event to congratulate her.

Lisa said:

“I have worked with Sonya and with Autism Initiatives for several years. I’ve seen Sonya progress from a Senior Support Worker and completing her Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 apprenticeship to becoming a Service Manager. Her commitment throughout has been second to none and her passion for her role is amazing. She has grown not only in her role but in confidence and knowledge. Whenever Sonya had any personal issues while studying, she continued to show commitment and positivity. I love Sonya’s commitment to gaining new knowledge, and the passion she shows to learning in general”

Sonya started her career at Autism Initiatives in 2020 as a Support Worker at a Community Resource Centre in Liverpool. One year later, she became a Senior Support Worker at a supported living service. After another 18 months in this role, Sonya became the Service Manager. She has also trained as a Positive Behaviour Support instructor. Now, Sonya is a Service Manager in Liverpool and supports the Practice Support team at Autism Initiatives, delivering training to new and existing staff members.

Sonya said:

“When I found out I was receiving the award, I was shocked and overwhelmed but also really happy! It’s a really nice feeling to be recognised in this way by our training provider. I never could have achieved this without the amazing people who use our services, as they are the ones who drive me, and of course all of my colleagues who support me each day. My apprenticeship has equipped me with knowledge and skills to be able to support people effectively. These skills are also transferrable outside the workplace. I feel that my communication skills and understanding around leading and managing the team has also increased. This is evident, as the team are doing fantastically, achieving amazing things with the people who use the service.”

Cait McDermott, who is the Learning and Development Manager at Autism Initiatives, said:

“Congratulations to Sonya, her passion towards her work and learning is evident from the way she talks about her work, the people she supports and colleagues. We have had previous winners of Gold accolades and its always a honour to see staffs hard work and dedication rewarded.”

Autism Initiatives Area Manager Lillian Kidd, joined the celebrations adding:

“Well done Sonya! Hard work really does pay off. The service and staff team are so lucky to have your leadership.”

When asked what her favourite thing about the role is, Sonya said:

“It’s being able to positively impact on people’s lives and supporting people to have the best quality of life, and just seeing people smile when they have achieved their goals. I like Autism Initiatives as an organisation as they provide great support and training for the staff to help them develop in their roles.”

Find out more about Partnership Training.

Read more about Autism Initiatives success with apprenticeship training.