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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 superstars

Grandir UK –

Annie Griggs – WINNER

Ruby Woolcott – runner up

Marissa Stonehouse – runner up

Iris Margeirsdottir – runner up

Aglaja Anna Spano – runner up

Thrive –

Libby Astbury – WINNER

Erin Wilson – nominee

Jamie Hutcheon – nominee

Abbey Underwood – nominee

Ella Gill – nominee

Family First –

Tracey Boff – WINNER

Annabel Tankard – runner up

Alana Wawman – runner up

Marta D’arti – runner up

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

Sophie Webb – runner up

Maddison Pinches – nominee

Hollie Satterthwaite – nominee

Jasmine Day – nominee

Fennies – 

Tania Ramos – WINNER

Olivia Bull – runner up

Abbigail Sullivan – runner up

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

ABC Day Nursery –

Shannon Skeet – WINNER

Brishing Barn Nursery –

Holly Terry – WINNER

Honey Pots (Childwall)

Ruby Leigh Traynor – WINNER

Kinderzimmer –

Georgina Longman – runner up

Oakley Day Nursery –

Hannah Burston – runner up

Brightstars –

Hayley Coleman – runner up

Little Elms Nursery –

Diana Yassine – runner up

Robins Childcare –

Dawn Gilbert – runner up

Chapel Hill –

Jessica Allen – runner up

Hullbridge Pre-School –

Isobelle Smith – runner up

 

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

 

 

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!