Billie-Jo won the Kickstart category with judges praising “her attention to detail, professional can-do attitude and willingness to get involved in all projects”.

She is one of four Berneslai apprentices from the organisation shortlisted for the award in September, in recognition of their valuable contribution and achievements to their organisation. Callum Clarke was a finalist in the same category as Billie-Jo while Brett Smith and Lianne Rolling were nominated for Intermediate Apprentice of the Year category.

All four have been taken on by Berneslai Homes as part of its commitment to offering employment and training opportunities to local people. The housing company manages around 18,500 homes on behalf of Barnsley Council and aims to recruit and train ten per cent of its workforce through apprenticeships by 2030.

The government Kickstart programme gives young people the opportunity to experience six months in the workplace and develop new skills, while Berneslai Homes funds an additional six months for those on the scheme to create year-long placements.

Alison Rusdale, Executive Director of Corporate Services at Berneslai Homes, said: “We’re really proud of all our apprentices who contribute so much; it’s rewarding to see them progress during their time with us. We provide them with a range of learning opportunities so that they get as much as possible from the experience and can find work with us, or another employer, at the end of their placement.

“Congratulations to all four finalists for their achievements, and especially Billie-Jo who has demonstrated our ‘can-do’ value in action.”