Meet Teodora Apan
Early Career: Building Foundations in Education
Hi, I’m Teodora Apan. After qualifying as an English and French teacher, I began my career in 2007 teaching English as a Foreign Language at a college in Romania. Those first years in the classroom helped me develop not only my teaching skills but also a strong appreciation for helping others grow. I later moved into adult education through the Chamber of Commerce, where I was able to support learners at different stages in their professional journeys.
A New Start in London and a Shift Toward Recruitment
After relocating to London, I was eager to develop new skills—particularly in business management, relationship building, and confidence. This led me into the world of recruitment, where I started as a resourcer for a small, family-owned agency. I stayed there for seven years, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
I then moved into public sector recruitment for five years before progressing into a management role, leading a team of five consultants for one of the largest recruitment agencies in the world. These roles strengthened my understanding of people, skills development, and the importance of matching the right individual with the right environment.
Why I Became a Tutor
Despite enjoying recruitment, I felt drawn back to a role where I could make a deeper and more lasting impact. I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a difference—sometimes one person at a time—and that passion brought me back into education.
Becoming a tutor felt like the natural next step. It allows me to combine my teaching background with my recruitment and management expertise, supporting learners in a way that feels both meaningful and rewarding.
Life at Swarm: A Role That Inspires and Challenges Me
I love learning new things and challenging myself daily, which is why my role as a Tutor and Assessor at Swarm suits me so well. I get to meet incredible people, share my experiences, and help them develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
I primarily tutor and assess the following standards:
Recruitment Level 2 and 3
HR Support Level 3
Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3
Each programme allows me to support learners in different ways, whether they’re new to their industry or working toward progression.
Supporting Learners Beyond the Classroom
Thanks to my background in recruitment and HR, I also serve as a Careers Ambassador for Swarm. In this role, I support learners with:
Skills development
CV building
Career advice
Preparing for new job opportunities
It’s incredibly rewarding to see learners grow in confidence, refine their goals, and take the next steps in their professional journey.
Life Outside of Work
When I’m not tutoring, I enjoy exploring London—especially its amazing food and coffee spots. I’m also dedicated to strength training and have been practicing mindfulness for several years, including meditation and deep breathing techniques. These practices help me maintain focus, resilience, and balance in my personal and professional life.
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future
As for what comes next, I’m excited about my long-term development. Over the next five years, I hope to become a Chartered Teacher and a certified Coach. These goals reflect my passion for continuous growth and my commitment to supporting others as they build their skills and confidence.