Celebrating 14 Years of Dedication and Growth with Adele Hughes

This month, we’re delighted to celebrate Adele Hughes, who has reached an incredible 14 years with Itec. As Operations Manager for Jobs Growth Wales+, Adele plays a pivotal role in supporting learners and employers, ensuring the programme delivers real opportunities and positive outcomes. Over the years, Adele’s journey with Itec has taken her through many seasons of change and challenge. She’s grown with the organisation, adapted to new ways of working, and continued to champion the values that make Itec what it is today.

We asked Adele to share a little more about her role and her time with Itec:

How does it feel to reach this milestone?
It’s a humbling and rewarding feeling. Fourteen years represents not just time, but growth, progression, and invaluable experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. Every role I’ve held, every contract I’ve worked on, and every challenge I’ve faced has added to the journey and brought me to where I am today. Looking back, it’s not just about the years, it’s about the lessons learned, the opportunities embraced, and the people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. All those moments have contributed to this milestone, making it especially meaningful.

Can you take us back to your first role at Itec? What do you remember most about starting here?
I started as an Apprenticeship Assessor, having come from another training provider that operated quite differently. What really struck me about Itec was the dynamic approach that was already in place. Technology was being used in ways I hadn’t experienced before, which felt refreshing and forward-thinking. Just as importantly, there was an openness to share ideas and even put forward business cases for new initiatives. That culture of innovation and inclusivity stood out immediately, and it gave me the confidence that my contributions could genuinely make a difference.

How has your career evolved over the years, leading up to your role in the senior management team?
My career has been a journey of learning, stretching, and embracing opportunities. Over the years, I’ve held many different positions within Itec and had the privilege of managing a variety of teams, each of which taught me something new about leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. I’ve also reported to a range of different managers with very different leadership styles, and I made it a point to pick up hints, tips, and lessons from each of them along the way. I started with a focus on the day-to-day, but as I progressed, I began taking on broader responsibilities, learning to think more strategically, and building resilience through challenges. Every step, every role, every team, and every leader I’ve worked with has prepared me for the privilege of contributing at a senior management level.

Are there any achievements or moments in your career here that you’re particularly proud of?
Some of my proudest moments aren’t just about results, but about people, mentoring colleagues, seeing them grow, and celebrating their successes. I’m also incredibly proud of the impact we have on learners’ lives. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing young people leave us better than when they started, with new skills, confidence, and opportunities ahead of them. Having been here this long, I’ve even had learners from years ago get back in touch to say, “If it wasn’t for Itec, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” That’s incredibly humbling and really reinforces why we do what we do, it’s about making a lasting difference.

What aspects of your work excite you the most every day?
It’s the combination of people and possibility. Every day brings a chance to solve new challenges, collaborate with brilliant colleagues, and make a positive impact. Knowing that the work we do can directly change the trajectory of learners’ lives keeps me motivated and excited. The idea that we’re always moving forward and improving
keeps the work fresh and meaningful.

What motivates you to continue growing and contributing after 14 years?
I believe growth never stops. The more you learn, the more you realise how much there still is to achieve. What motivates me is knowing I can continue to add value, to the company, to the team, and to our learners, while also developing myself. Seeing the real impact, we have on people’s lives is a constant reminder of why I’m here and why I want to keep contributing. They’re always moving forward and improving keeps the work fresh and meaningful.

What advice would you give to colleagues who aspire to grow within Itec?
Stay curious, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth often comes when you take on challenges that feel daunting at first. Build strong relationships, ask for feedback, and always keep learning, both from successes and setbacks. Above all, let the impact on the learners guide your decisions and actions. When your focus is on supporting their development and success, you create a strong foundation for your own growth and for the success of the organisation.

How do you approach leadership and supporting your team?
For me, leadership is about empowerment and trust. I strive to create an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to take ownership. I’m very honest with my team and encourage honesty in return, don’t just tell me what I want to hear, tell me how it really is so I can provide the right guidance and support. I also make it a priority to understand as much as I can about the contracts and work, we’re delivering, so that when I’m asked a question or need to make a decision, I can provide an informed and practical response. Listening, supporting, and being well-informed are all key to helping the team succeed.

Are there any lessons from your journey that you think everyone at Itec could benefit from?
One big lesson is that consistency matters. Success doesn’t come overnight, it’s built day by day through dedication, resilience, and adaptability. Another important lesson is that work is work, you’ll have some of the best days and some of the most challenging days. What makes the difference is communicating, reaching out to your team for support, and making sure the good days outweigh the difficult ones. Collaboration and maintaining perspective are key to navigating both the highs and the lows.

What goals or projects are you excited about in the coming years?
I’m excited about continuing to drive innovation and growth, both in our services and in how we develop our people. As with all contracts, changes happen, and I’m particularly interested and motivated by the new ESP contract. I’m focused on how we can make a positive impact now to ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for continued success. My goal is to contribute to building a culture where everyone feels proud to be here and has the chance to thrive.