Tia is leading the way in childcare

The award-winning apprentice has risen through the ranks. 

Award winner Tia Cavanagh has risen through the ranks with Total People and looks set to become a future leader in the childcare sector. 

The 19-year-old was first in contact with Total People when she was just 10 years old during a school careers day. Now she is a Total People apprentice nursery practitioner and loving her role as Deputy Manager at The First Day Nursery in Burton on Trent. 

She said: “When I was in Year 10, the school year above had a careers day and this is where I first found Total People. The ladies from Total People were friendly and very helpful, they explained the different options available to me for Early Years Education and Care. I gave my details and returned the next year. Again, I was greeted with two wonderful smiles , and here began my journey with Total People where I went on to complete my Level 2 and 3 qualifications.” 

Since starting her qualification, Tia worked in pre-school, the toddler rooms , and baby room observing children and the ways they learn and play. She has also gained knowledge of how a nursery is run and has had experience with Ofsted, and has completed my Paediatric First Aid, Level 1 Safeguarding training among other training courses.   

She said: “During my apprenticeship, I’ve developed new skills and learned new things. I’ve grown as a practitioner, have become more confident , and have pushed myself to be more engaged in different aspects of the nursery. 

“Early Years is a wonderful job to be in, the rewards are something you cannot put into words. You can spend time with a child right from birth, all the way up to reception age nurturing and developing them as a human being. You will share moments like their first word, you will see them make friends and flourish into a tiny human being with a huge personality of their own.”   

Tia explained how her Total People tutor-supported her with all her tasks and problem while giving her set and helped me work through any of my problems. 

She said: “She supported me and believed in me and this support gave me the confidence to become who I am today. My tutor helped me to grow, filling me with confidence and support from the very minute I signed up with Total People. The tutors have a wonderful team here in Burton and it’s a welcoming and nurturing environment.”  

Since starting with Total People, Tia has moved nurseries and progressed from her hands-on role in the toddle room to her new role as Deputy Manager.   

Tia said: “During my time with Total People I really found my passion for childcare. Total People creates a positive environment that supports students to become wonderful practitioners.   

“I am most proud of the practitioner I have become now. During my journey, I started off as a young lady exploring my options in Early Years. I have since participated in training courses and online webinars and completed a Level 2 course in Behaviour that Challenges.  

I would highly recommend an apprenticeship, it enables you to learn things that can never be taught in a classroom alone. You will build a career for yourself which will open many doors for your future.

She also praised the Total People experience: “Being at Total People was a calm and safe environment. The tutors were supportive and understanding of my home life situations consistently supporting me with my emotional well-being.   

“My Tutor was the person who believed in me to become who I am, she supported me to become the Total People Advanced Apprentice of the Year in 2019, so much so that she was the one who nominated me and supported me during the ceremony.”   

Explore the many roles available in our Education and Childcare sectors.