From Apprentice to Lead Trainer – how’s Megan’s passion for early years led her to her dream job

From Apprentice to Trainer

Megan Hughes began her career in early years education as an apprentice, working her way up from Level 2 to Level 3 while holding a management role in a nursery. In October 2021, she joined Realise as a trainee Trainer Assessor - a move that marked the start of a new chapter in her professional journey.

“I started as a Level 2 apprentice and just kept progressing. When I joined Realise in 2021, I’d already been managing in a nursery setting, so stepping into a training role felt like a natural next step.”

Building Skills and Confidence

Within her first year at Realise, Megan completed her Trainer Assessor Coaching qualification and at the start of 2023, she moved from the Northwest team to the growing Liverpool team. This shift opened up new opportunities, including her first experience in a leadership capacity.

“When my manager was off, I started stepping in to help the team. I’d always been interested in the management and guidance side of things and this gave me a chance to explore that.”

Balancing Leadership and Training

Today, Megan balances leadership and training:

“I still act as a trainer-assessor on a day-to-day basis. I usually spend around three full days with my learners. Mornings I’m out in nurseries doing observations; afternoons I’m remote, doing reviews, assessments or discussions.”

Supporting Apprentices from Day One

Megan often meets apprentices at the very start of their journey. Some are young, fresh out of school or new to the workplace. She works hard to make them feel supported and confident.

“I meet the apprentices from day one. Some can be quite nervous or shy - it’s a brand new qualification for them. My role is to be approachable and supportive, someone who can help them settle and succeed.”

Seeing Learners Thrive

A standout moment in Megan’s career so far has been watching learners grow, not just professionally, but personally. One former apprentice she trained is now managing a nursery and returning to Megan to gain training for her team.

“It’s full circle. I supported her through her Level 3, and now she’s managing the nursery and coming to me with her own team. That kind of ongoing relationship is what makes this job really meaningful.”

Her approach to training is deeply informed by her own experience as a learner.

“I did my Level 2 with someone who’s now a performance manager at Realise. I wouldn’t have progressed the way I did without the support I had. That’s what I try to give to my learners now - to be that person who helps them move forward.”