What is a Teacher Tea?

I founded Pathway CTM to help young people believe in their potential. After returning to my old school to share my career journey, I saw the impact real-life stories could have and that inspired me to create a programme connecting students with skills, guidance, and employers. Today, Pathway CTM supports schools and students nationwide, giving every young person access to opportunities and confidence in their next steps.

I went to a Girls Grammar School in Kent and was encouraged to go to University to get a degree, however, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my career, so I didn’t see the point in going to University and getting myself into debt for something I wasn’t 100% on. I decided to look for an Apprenticeship, I applied for 40 programmes and received 1 offer from Unilever for a Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprenticeship. I completed that and stayed on at Unilever for 1 year before deciding to leave and look for a new opportunity. That’s when I discovered Pathway CTM, their mission resonated with me and my own experience leaving school and deciding to do an Apprenticeship, so it felt like an ideal role for me to progress into. I started as an Account Manager and now 4.5 years later I am Head of Employer Partnerships, my role focuses on growing our relationships with employers and ensuring we have exciting partner organisations to support our amazing student network.

After graduating with a degree in Dance and Theatre Arts, I started my career in musical theatre, teaching, touring around the world and performing at amazing venues like the Royal Albert Hall, Edinburgh Fringe, and the Sydney Opera House.
I then swapped the stage for the skies and worked as Cabin Crew for British Airways, where I built skills in communication, teamwork, and organisation — skills I now use every day at Pathway CTM.
As an Account Manager on the Education Team, I love being part of exciting projects and working with students. I always remind them that careers don’t have to follow a straight line , saying “yes” to opportunities can open doors you never expected!

I’ve always been driven to work at organisations committed to social impact. I’ve taken a windy and varied career in a mix of charities, start ups and social enterprises and I’ve picked up project management, impact measurement, stakeholder management, strategy development and team management skills along the way. I had no idea this kind of job even existed when I left school, and I love working as a team to improve processes, impact and services. When I’m not in work you’ll find me playing tennis, trying to cook something new or curled up in an armchair reading a book.

My school introduced me to Pathway CTM in Year 12, and after attending their events starting with the Harris Federation Alumni event in 2023, everything changed. Through their insight days and support, I gained experience, built my CV, and learned how to stand out in applications. Even when I didn’t get through at first, Pathway encouraged me to follow up, which led to an interview and, eventually, securing my Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship. Their guidance on tailoring CVs, preparing for interviews, and networking made all the difference. I’ve even encouraged my sister and friends to join — Pathway CTM truly opened the door to my career!

Hi, I’m Vince Taak, Delivery Manager here at Pathway CTM. My career journey started with an apprenticeship, after leaving school unsure of the right path. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to all things careers, with a focus on making the journey easier for young people.
I’ve gained experience across training providers, recruitment roles, and early careers teams, and I’m passionate about helping others navigate their career paths and achieve their goals.
Outside of work, I’m a West Ham supporter and enjoy a good flat white.

Coming all the way from Australia, I started out as a teacher before stepping into the world of careers and apprenticeships where I now work with employers to showcase their apprenticeship programmes. My focus is on helping students explore the wide range of opportunities available to them and supporting employers in reaching the next generation of talent.

I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2024 and started my career straight away in recruitment and training & development before moving into my current role as Delivery Manager at Pathway CTM.I’m passionate about helping young people explore all the different routes available after school because everyone’s journey looks different and there are opportunities in every path.  Outside of work, I enjoy reading (evolutionary psychology is my current favourite), going to the gym, watching sports, spending time with friends, and trying out different foods.

I’m passionate about helping young people explore apprenticeships, especially for those who feel pressured to follow a traditional path. My own journey took me into industries like logistics and construction, where I built skills and confidence through work experience rather than the usual route. I want to show students that apprenticeships can open doors to exciting careers, no matter your background.