Retailer Apprenticeship

With over 25 years of experience in the training industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to my role. As a dedicated Training and Development Officer within the Business Skills team, my positive and approachable style has helped support apprentices aged 16 to 74 — proving that you're never too young or too old to learn!

I am currently a Senior Training and Development Officer within the Business Skills unit at Realise Training, where I deliver apprenticeships in Customer Service, Retail, and Team Leading.

My career began in retail, where I progressed from frontline roles to Store Manager. Over the past 28 years, I’ve built on that foundation to transition into training and development—first as a Regional Trainer and now in my current senior role at Realise.

This position offers the best of both worlds: I continue to support learners through their apprenticeship journeys, helping them develop skills and confidence in their roles, while also mentoring and guiding colleagues within the team. Sharing insights and fostering growth—both in learners and fellow trainers—is a part of the job I find especially rewarding.

I have been part of the Realise training team since 2018, starting my journey in adult education in 2010 as a Numeracy and ICT tutor. Over the years, I transitioned into assessing and delivering apprenticeships in Retail, Customer Service, and Business Administration, drawing on my own hands-on experience across retail and customer-facing roles.

In my role as a Training and Development Officer, I work closely with learners to build confidence, develop practical workplace skills, and achieve their apprenticeship goals. I’m passionate about supporting individuals at the start of their careers, helping them grow both professionally and personally, and ensuring they gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.

I take pride in delivering learner-focused coaching, creating a supportive environment where apprentices can overcome challenges, develop their potential, and make meaningful progress in their chosen field.

I started my working life as a customer service assistant for a large, well-known food retailer and worked my way up to supervisor. Exploring a variety of roles gave me real insight into how a large organisation operates and how vital its people are to its success.

I later progressed into a higher management role and completed an apprenticeship to support my development. That experience inspired me to use my own journey to support others and motivate them to grow through learning.

It was then that I decided to change career paths and move into the apprenticeship and training sector.

I’ve now worked in the industry for over 21 years, supporting individuals to develop the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their goals. I’ve always believed that learning should be an enjoyable, empowering experience and I bring that ethos into everything I do to engage and inspire those on their learning journey.

I began my career in hospitality management before transitioning into retail.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed strong skills in customer service, business administration, data analysis, and multi-site operations management. I’ve always taken a proactive approach to my development, regularly completing additional courses to expand my knowledge and strengthen my capabilities.

In 2022, I moved into the apprenticeship sector — a space where I’ve been able to channel my genuine passion for helping others grow. Supporting individuals as they learn, develop, and achieve their goals has been both rewarding and inspiring.