From Apprentice to Managing Director
Meet Moya Hannon, the Managing Director here at Smart Training and Recruitment.
Recently we asked her to share her apprenticeship journey, and it is a story that truly demonstrates the life-changing power of vocational learning. Moya’s path from a 16-year-old chef apprentice to the head of our organisation is a masterclass in professional evolution. Her story proves that an Apprenticeship isn’t just a way to enter a trade; it is a gateway to senior leadership that can be revisited at any age or stage of your career.
Question 1 – Can you walk me through your career journey?
I sometimes think of my career journey as guided by fate! I did reasonably well at school, gaining 10 A-C grades, but after GCSEs I felt lost; careers advice really was non-existent and I wasn’t told about apprenticeships. I stayed on to do A-levels but two months in, I realised I’d made the wrong choice. I’d been working weekends and holidays since I was 12 and felt I needed to earn money.
I looked up Apprenticeships in the very rural village where I lived, and the only one available was a Chef Modern Apprenticeship at a local hotel. I remember my Training Advisor, Jan (Smart co-founder and previous MD), and I’m sure I actually asked her, “how do you get into this sort of career?” as her role seemed a much better fit for me than slaving in a hot kitchen. I thrived in the role, quickly progressing through the qualifications. At 18, I was running the kitchen on the Head Chef’s days off. Training as a chef gave me vital time management, leadership, and communication skills, as well as a resilience that benefits me to this day.
Question 2 – Was there a turning point or defining moment in your career that helped you become successful?
After leaving the hotel, I worked in front-of-house catering roles, undertaking a second Apprenticeship in Front of House Management. I was just about to start further training as a department head at a national hotel chain when I saw an advert in 2003 for trainee assessors.
My interviewer, Janet Hopkinson, was actually my Training Advisor from back when I was a 16-year-old Apprentice! She remembered me, and I shortly joined the small team. I quickly qualified as an assessor, then an IQA, and in 2008 I had the opportunity to open my own training centre in Bournemouth. I’m a great believer in CPD and have completed numerous further Apprenticeships, including a Level 7 Leadership and Management Diploma and my PGCE.
Question 3 – How do you define success both personally and professionally?
For me, as a leader in education, it’s that our team are happy, professional, and well-qualified. This allows them to give a great experience to our Apprentices, which leads to high achievement rates. I love reading all the positive feedback the Apprentices give. I’ve also seen many of the Apprentices I’ve trained go on to run their own businesses and become successful managers themselves, which is exactly why we do what we do!
Question 4 – If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Maybe not to be so hard on myself! But also, that there is no one “right” path to a successful career. If you work hard, you’ll get results.
Moya’s journey from the kitchen to the boardroom is the ultimate proof that with hard work and a commitment to lifelong learning, there is no limit to where an Apprenticeship can take you 🙌 🧠
Watch her full interview here – https://www.instagram.com/p/DUS-Objikn4/
