Award‑nominated apprentices demonstrating the value of investing in future educators
Two inspire+ apprentices have been nominated for prestigious awards, recognising the impact they are making within their schools and the wider community.
Shay Markham and Ava Reed’s nominations demonstrate not only their commitment to supporting pupils and contributing to school life but also their willingness to go above and beyond expectations and make a lasting difference.
These achievements highlight the strength of the apprenticeship pathway at inspire+, where young people are supported to develop the skills, confidence and professionalism needed to have a real impact in school environments from an early stage in their careers.
Shay Markham: going above and beyond every day
Shay Markham, a Level 4 Sports Coach apprentice based at Hampton Vale Academy, has been nominated for both the IEG Higher Level Apprentice Award and the Peterborough Apprentice Award.
Throughout his apprenticeship, Shay has built a reputation for stepping in wherever needed, supporting across a wide range of subjects including PE, Art, Performing Arts and Forest School. While this level of flexibility is not expected of an apprentice, Shay has embraced every opportunity to contribute, showing a maturity and dedication well beyond his role.
Alongside his work in the classroom, Shay regularly runs breakfast clubs for some of the most vulnerable pupils in the school, creating a welcoming and supportive start to the day. He has also become a key part of wider school life, contributing to events such as school discos and themed days, even dressing up for World Book Day to help create engaging and memorable experiences for pupils.
Within inspire+, Shay continues to play an active role in supporting other apprentices, sharing best practice and contributing to training activities. His coursework is consistently of a high standard, always submitted on time and supported with strong, detailed evidence.
Whether or not he receives the awards, Shay’s contribution speaks for itself. His approach, attitude and willingness to support others make him a clear example of what inspire+ apprenticeships are about.
Ava Reed: a role model for future learners
Ava Reed has been nominated for NCFE Apprentice of the Year following the successful completion of her Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, where she achieved a distinction.
From the very beginning, Ava has demonstrated a clear sense of purpose and determination, choosing the apprenticeship pathway because she understood how she learns best. She has embraced every opportunity to develop, consistently producing high-quality work while building the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a school environment.
Within her school, Ava provides one-to-one support for pupils with additional needs, adapting her approach to ensure each child feels supported, included and able to succeed. Her calm, thoughtful manner, combined with her genuine care for pupils, has had a clear and lasting impact both academically and socially.
Ava’s contribution extends well beyond the classroom. She plays an active role in school life, supporting breakfast clubs, delivering small group interventions and contributing to PE and school sport provision. Her willingness to get involved and support others makes her a valued and trusted member of the school team.
Since completing her Level 3 apprenticeship, Ava has continued her journey by progressing onto the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme, building on the strong foundations she has already created. She also gives back to the inspire+ programme, supporting other apprentices and sharing her experiences to help shape the next generation of learners.
Whether through her day-to-day support of pupils or her wider contribution to school life, Ava represents the dedication, professionalism and impact that inspire+ apprentices bring to schools.
Recognising the value of apprenticeships in schools
The success of Shay and Ava highlights the wider role apprenticeship programmes can play in schools across Lincolnshire and beyond, and reflects the high quality of inspire+ apprentices more widely.
Apprentices bring enthusiasm, adaptability and a strong willingness to learn, while developing the skills and experience needed to progress within education. In turn, schools benefit from capable, committed individuals who are already making a meaningful contribution in the classroom and wider school life.
As inspire+ continues to see a growing number of young people choosing apprenticeships, stories like these demonstrate the strength of the programme and the quality of the talent being developed. With the right support and opportunities in place, apprentices are not just supporting schools today, but shaping the future of the education workforce.
Both Shay and Ava should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved so far, and the positive difference they continue to make every day.
Read more success stories to find out how apprenticeships are supporting schools across the county.