Darlington support worker who originally “couldn’t turn a computer on” wins national learning award for IT skills

She took on the IT challenge after being offered a more senior role assisting the team leader. Karen is an experienced care worker and has worked with adult health and social care charity Making Space for two years.

Although she loves the one-to-one aspect of her care role, she recognised the need to expand her skills to progress in her career. So when she was told that IT skills were an essential part of the job, the 59-year-old from Parkside threw herself into learning.

And now, as well as managing digital care records and an electronic medication administration system, Karen is on hand to offer colleagues help and advice with their own IT struggles.

“It was actually a bit of a running joke that I had absolutely no knowledge of computers,” said Karen. “But I love my job and take a lot of pride in what I do, so when I was offered the role of senior support worker I was determined to learn everything I needed to know.”

“Being offered a senior role was something I couldn’t say no to, and I’ve loved learning IT skills. I’ll continue to work hard and look for more opportunities to expand my knowledge and keep developing further,” she added.

“I was actually very overwhelmed to be given an award for something that I enjoy doing and brings me a lot of benefits. I really didn’t expect to win, but it’s made me feel really recognised and valued by Making Space. I’d like to thank Rebecca and my team leader Chantelle Wall for nominating me, and teaching me everything I needed to know.”

Rebecca Liddle, manager at Rosemary Court, said: “We nominated Karen for the Learner of the Year Award because she was convinced she’d never master even basic IT, but now she’s one of the most accomplished people in the service.

“She embraced the challenge and spent every spare second absorbing as much information as she could about the systems we use - and then taught herself Excel for good measure! Now she’s the person in the service everyone goes to for help with IT, and it’s all down to sheer determination.”

Now in their third year, the Making Space Colleague Awards are held to recognise and pay tribute to the individuals and teams amongst the charity’s 1000 nationwide employees who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference. Karen attended the awards ceremony at Manchester’s The Edwardian hotel with colleagues from Rosemary Court, where they joined other finalists to enjoy a three-course lunch sponsored by businesses from around the UK.

Phil Orton is the chief people officer at Making Space. He said: “I am continually inspired by the amazing work I witness throughout our services from our colleagues.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our winners, finalists and everyone who took the time to nominate colleagues. Each and every member of our Making Space team is an inspiration, which is why we embrace the opportunity to recognise and value their incredible work and take pride in the positive.”

The Learner of the Year award was sponsored by Advanced Water Technologies and judged by Jan Felton, director of vocational education company Training Unlimited, and Making Space trustee Tim Quinlan.

They said: “Karen is a wonderful nominee and worthy winner. It’s great to hear how Making Space has given her the confidence and skills to progress in her career.”