👤 Name: Tanya Sims
💼 Job title: Risk Manager
🏢 Organisation: Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)
🎓 Apprenticeship: Level 4 Associate Project Manager
🔄 Previous career: Teaching Assistant, Business Lecturer, SEN Support
🎯 Reason for taking the course: To change career direction
✅ Outcome: New role, stronger project knowledge, increased job satisfaction
Tanya Sims, Risk Manager at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), completed the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship with Realise. She shares how the programme helped her transition into a brand-new career and develop confidence in a completely different professional field.
A leap into the unknown
After a successful career in education, Tanya knew it was time for a change. Having worked as a teaching assistant, SEN support worker, and business lecturer, she had gained a wealth of experience, but she felt ready for a new challenge.
“I’d been in education for most of my working life, but after moving and raising a family, I decided it was the right time to pursue a completely new path,” she explains. “I was looking for something that would allow me to grow and learn again - something different and exciting.”
That decision led Tanya to enrol on the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship with Realise.
From classroom to corporate
Tanya’s new role at DE&S (Defence Equipment and Support) saw her stepping into the world of risk management. A typical day now involves engaging with project and operations managers to review, analyse, and report on potential risks to ongoing projects.
“I work closely with risk owners to ensure there’s a clear understanding of the potential impacts, and we collaborate to manage or mitigate those risks. I also report to the wider organisation and senior leadership teams to help maintain visibility and alignment.”
It was a big change, but the apprenticeship gave Tanya the structure and support she needed to make the leap successfully.
Learning that challenges and rewards
While Tanya admits that the course is intensive, she quickly started to enjoy the learning process.
“I really liked the challenge of getting to grips with new content. It was so rewarding to see my understanding grow, especially when I passed the exam—it showed how far I’d come.”
One of her favourite aspects of the programme was the real-world application of the skills she was developing.
“The case studies helped me explore different aspects of project management. They gave me a chance to apply what I was learning in a meaningful way.”
A life-changing decision
Tanya believes her career would have stayed in education had she not taken this opportunity but she’s glad she stepped outside of her comfort zone.
“Making the change gave me a chance to try something new. Each day is interesting now. I’m constantly learning, and I enjoy that.”
The apprenticeship didn’t just help her land a new role; it also gave her a deeper understanding of project management.
“The course gave me insight into how projects are run across the organisation. That knowledge is invaluable in my current role as a risk manager.”
Tanya’s advice to others
For those considering a career shift or wondering whether an apprenticeship is right for them, Tanya has this message:
“Although it can feel overwhelming at the beginning and you might not feel like you're making much progress, please do stick with it. Embrace the content, get involved in the placements, and trust the process. It’s worth it.”
Interested in following in Tanya’s footsteps?
Discover more about the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship and how it could transform your career.