Team Leader Apprenticeship

My name is Charlotte, and I’m a Training and Development Officer at Realise. I currently support learners on the Customer Service Specialist Level 3, Team Leader Level 3, and Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeships.

Before moving into the education sector, I spent 10 years in the funeral industry, progressing through a variety of roles before becoming an Area Manager responsible for 21 branches. This experience has been invaluable in my current role, as I understand the challenges of managing a team while meeting customer expectations.

During that time, I also completed my own apprenticeship, so I truly understand the demands of balancing work responsibilities with coursework.

I’m passionate about supporting others, and in addition to my role as a TDO, I’m also part of the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team at Realise.

My working career began in retail when I was 16 and fresh out of school, leading to a 30-year journey in the retail sector.
I progressed from a part-time assistant to team leader, then to section manager, and eventually into senior roles including assistant manager, deputy manager, and store manager. I spent over 20 years managing in various areas of retail.

During this time, I witnessed significant changes in the industry and developed extensive knowledge and experience in retail operations, customer service, business administration, and management.

In 2008, I was made redundant and transitioned into the learning and development sector, where I began delivering NVQs and Functional Skills. When these were replaced by Apprenticeship Standards in 2017, I continued to adapt and grow in my new career. I found real satisfaction in being able to share the knowledge and skills I’d gained over the years.

In 2017, I joined a different training provider, delivering training aligned with the new standards. After being made redundant again in 2023, I joined Realise, where I continue to support learners on their development journeys.

I left home and school at a young age, driven by my creativity and enthusiasm for hairdressing. I began my career as a hairdressing apprentice at a local salon. The pay was low and the hours were long, but I loved the opportunity to learn while earning.

After achieving my qualification, I progressed to a Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeship. During this time, I worked part-time in a new salon while attending college, balancing this with the responsibilities of being a new mum. I was keen to stay in the salon environment to develop my advanced hairdressing techniques and strengthen my customer service skills.

At age 21, I purchased my first salon and successfully ran it for three and a half years. After having my second son, I decided to step back to focus on being a full-time mum. During this time, I began volunteering one day a week at a local training provider to work towards my assessor qualification.

Once qualified, I was offered a full-time role as a tutor/assessor, where I gained valuable skills and experience. I progressed into quality assurance, becoming Lead IQA for Hairdressing, Business Skills, Management, and Sport.

In 2014, my sister and I purchased a hairdressing business together. This gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge further, particularly in marketing, bookkeeping, landlord responsibilities, and in-house training and development.

My name is Sandy, and I’ve worked in education since 2008, with experience spanning primary education, further education (FE), and now apprenticeships. My passion for supporting learners has been shaped by a diverse career journey that began in managerial roles within the retail and hospitality sectors. This early experience gave me a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and people management—skills I now bring into my educational practice.

I studied Educational Studies at the University of Hertfordshire, where I developed a deep understanding of how individuals learn and how education can empower and transform lives. This academic grounding, combined with my practical experience, enables me to support learners in a way that is both structured and empathetic.

Outside of work, I’ve been happily married since 2011 and am a proud mum to two wonderful children—an 11-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter. Our weekends are filled with football matches, dance and drama classes, and quality time with family and friends. Life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I’m also multilingual, speaking four languages, which has enriched my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. In my downtime, I love to cook and experiment with new recipes, especially dishes that reflect my cultural heritage.

I’m passionate about helping others reach their full potential and committed to ongoing personal and professional development. Whether in the classroom or in everyday life, I believe in leading with empathy, staying curious, and striving to make a meaningful, positive impact.

I began my career in hospitality management before transitioning into retail, where I held roles as an Operations Manager and later within a Category team focused on product sourcing.

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.