Apprentice of the Month –
Chloe Shipman – Level 2 Community Activator Coach
Chloe Shipman is a Level 2 Community Activator Coach apprentice at Bure Valley School, where she is supporting young people to develop confidence, find enjoyment in physical activity, and experience success beyond the classroom.
With a strong passion for sport and a growing ambition to support children in education, Chloe’s apprenticeship is helping her turn that passion into a clear and meaningful career pathway.
Finding the right route into education
After finishing college, Chloe took some time to explore her options, working full time while thinking about the direction she wanted her career to take. It was during this time that she realised her long-term goal was to become a teacher.
Wanting a more practical route than university, Chloe began researching alternative pathways. That search led her to inspire+, where she discovered an apprenticeship that combined hands-on experience with the opportunity to learn in a real school environment.
“I didn’t want to go to university, so I looked for other routes and found inspire+. After applying to several schools, my inspire+ mentor, Dave helped me secure my apprenticeship at Bure Valley.”
Alongside her career ambitions, Chloe brings a genuine passion for sport, particularly girls’ football, which has been a huge part of her life from a young age.
“I’ve played girls’ football since I was little, and I really enjoy inspiring other girls to take part in the opportunities they have now. Seeing how much the game has grown makes me appreciate it even more.”
Understanding the wider role of a teacher
Since starting her apprenticeship, Chloe has gained a deeper understanding of what it means to work in education, particularly the responsibilities that sit behind the scenes.
One area that has stood out for her is safeguarding, and the importance of ensuring every child’s welfare is protected.
“Learning about safeguarding has been really interesting. Not only because of how important it is, but also because of all the procedures in place to make sure children are safe.”
This knowledge, alongside her day-to-day experience working with pupils, is helping Chloe build a strong foundation for her future in education.
Building confidence through real experiences
One of Chloe’s most memorable experiences so far has been stepping outside of her comfort zone to lead a sequence of lessons independently.
“This term I planned and delivered six netball lessons for Year 4. It was quite daunting at first, but leading them and reflecting on how to improve each week really helped build my confidence.”
That experience has stayed with her, not just because of what she achieved, but because of what it taught her.
“It helped me trust my own ability and showed me how important it is to have the support of the people around you.”
Moments like this highlight how apprenticeships allow learners to develop not just skills, but also self-belief, through real responsibility and guided support.
Looking ahead
Chloe has clear ambitions for the future, with a particular interest in supporting children who may face additional challenges within education.
“I’d like to become a behaviour support teacher, or possibly a SEND teacher.”
She recognises the role that sport can play in supporting this pathway, especially for children who may not always find success in traditional classroom subjects.
“Sport can be a really positive outlet. Some children who struggle in subjects like maths or English find confidence and achievement through physical activity.”
Why Chloe recommends an inspire+ apprenticeship
For Chloe, the apprenticeship route has provided an opportunity to learn in a way that suits her, combining theory with practical experience every day.
“I would highly recommend becoming an inspire+ apprentice. It offers a more kinaesthetic way of learning, where you can put your knowledge into practice and really understand what it means to be a teacher.”
Chloe’s journey is a strong example of how apprenticeships provide real opportunities for young people to explore their potential, develop confidence, and take meaningful steps towards a career in education, all while making a lasting difference in the lives of the children they support.
To find out more about our apprenticeships, visit
www.inspireplus.org.uk/become-a-pe-apprentice