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Celebrating #NAW25: Realise Apprentice of the Year Awards

Celebrating our early years apprentices across England

Proud partnership

At Realise, we believe in recognising dedication, passion, and hard work – especially when it comes to apprentices shaping the future of early years education.

That’s why, every year during National Apprenticeship Week, we proudly partner with our employers and deliver Apprentice of the Year awards to our incredible early years apprentices.

One of the most special parts of these awards is how they are delivered!

The cherry on top

Our Realise early years trainers and account managers head out to settings nationwide to personally present the awards to the nominees, who, more often than not, are their own learners!

Seeing their learners face-to-face, celebrating their hard work, and handing over a well-earned certificate is a moment of pure joy for both the apprentices and our trainers.

It’s the cherry on top of the already rewarding experience of supporting learners to achieve their goals.

We asked Gemma Hughes, Partnerships Manager at Realise, what she thought of the Apprentice of the Year Awards….

“One of the most rewarding moments in my journey was presenting the Apprentice of the Year and Runner-Up awards for Grandir UK during National Apprenticeship Week 2025, celebrating not only those who have overcome challenges but also those who truly shine in this environment.”

Gemma Hughes, Partnerships Manager, Realise

“Moments like these embody the transformative power of apprenticeships, offering individuals the encouragement and opportunities they may never have thought possible. Being part of their success story, witnessing their growth, and strengthening our partnership with Grandir UK makes this work incredibly meaningful and inspiring.”

Gemma Hughes, Partnerships Manager, Realise

Our 2025 nominees

Grandir –

Annie Griggs – WINNER

Thrive –

Libby Astbury – WINNER

Erin Wilson – nominee

Jamie Hutcheon – nominee

Abbey Underwood – nominee

Ella Gill – nominee

Family First –

Tracey Boff – WINNER

Zara Aziz – nominee

Freya Lewin – nominee

Niamh Lumb –nominee

Sarah Porter – nominee

Ashleigh Marie Elmer – nominee

Mia Dale – nominee

Storal –

Roda Muse – WINNER

Imogen Fox – nominee

Zahra M – nominee

The Old Station Nursery

Lisa Hillyard – WINNER

Maddison Pinches -nominee

Hollie Satterthwaite – nominee

Jasmine Day – nominee

Fennies – 

Tania Ramos – WINNER

Molly Brenes – nominee

Ashbourne Day Nurseries

Lauren Dawson – WINNER

Georgia Nelson-Lucus- nominee

RAFAKidz

Hannah Newton – WINNER

Zoe Smith – nominee

Complete Childcare

Jess Williams – WINNER

Charlie Dexter – nominee

SME – 

North East/ Yorkshire and Humber – Chanea Davies WINNER

North West – Ummuhan Cakar WINNER

South West

Zara Johnson – WINNER

Kaitlin Osbourne – nominee

Melissa Bowden – nominee

South East –

Shannon Skeet – WINNER

Jessica Allen – nominee

Marta D’Arti – nominee

Alana Wawman – nominee

A true privilege

These awards shine a spotlight on the commitment and growth of our early years apprentices across the country, honouring their achievements and the positive impact they have on the children in their care.

Realise is truly privileged to support learners on their journey to becoming outstanding early years professionals.

Congratulations to all our apprentices – we’re so proud of you!