Apprentice of the Month – September 2024
Molly Whitbread is a dedicated and enthusiastic inspire+ apprentice at Billinghay Primary School, where she is actively engaged in a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. Molly’s journey with inspire+ began at an early age, where her love for sports and leadership was first nurtured. She participated in inspire+ sports camps from the age of four, eventually stepping up as a young leader and joining the inspire+ Steering Group. These early experiences not only fueled her love for physical activity—particularly netball—but also allowed her to see firsthand the positive impact that engaged and supportive educators can have on young people. Her lifelong commitment to netball, combined with her familiarity with inspire+, paved the way for her to choose an apprenticeship with the organisation as the next step in her educational and professional journey.
Although Molly initially started at university, she quickly realised that a traditional classroom setting was not the best fit for her learning style or career aspirations. Rather than continuing down a path that didn’t resonate with her, Molly decided to pursue a hands-on role within a school, where she could work directly with children while gaining practical experience. The apprenticeship with inspire+ offered exactly what she was looking for: an alternative pathway to a teaching career that emphasises experiential learning and active involvement in education. She decided to join the apprenticeship because she recognised that this route offered her the chance to work in a dynamic, supportive environment where her sports, leadership, and teaching strengths could truly shine.
Through her work at Billinghay Primary School, Molly has been able to grow in her role and develop a wide range of skills essential for her future career. Her apprenticeship has strengthened her leadership abilities, and her day-to-day interactions with students have vastly improved her communication skills. Each week, Molly participates in dedicated training sessions where she learns new games, activities, and teaching strategies that she brings back to the classroom, keeping her sessions fresh and engaging. One of the most impactful aspects of her work is the direct influence she has on students’ attitudes towards physical activity. Molly has observed that her enthusiastic approach to PE sessions has motivated many students who were previously hesitant about PE to become more active and enjoy the lessons. This shift has been particularly rewarding for Molly, as it demonstrates the impact of her teaching on the students’ well-being and confidence.
Molly’s growth is evident in the responsibilities she’s been trusted with, including leading her own classes for PE and working closely with a Year 6 group in math, helping them prepare for their SATs. Her creativity and initiative are clear in her lesson planning, exemplified by a memorable “Murder Mystery Orienteering” session that she led for her Year 4/5 class. The session was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with students going home to tell their friends about the lesson and thanking her repeatedly for making it so enjoyable. Moments like this not only reinforce Molly’s passion for teaching but also boost her confidence as she steps into more leadership roles within the classroom.
Looking ahead, Molly is committed to continuing her path toward a teaching degree, with aspirations of eventually working as an Educational Psychologist or in a role supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) students. She is drawn to these fields because they allow her to make a positive impact on students who benefit from tailored support and guidance, building on the communication and empathy skills she is developing in her current role. Molly is also inspired by the strong network of mentors and colleagues at Billinghay Primary School, who are fully invested in her growth and actively support her ambitions.
Molly highly recommends the inspire+ apprenticeship to others considering a career in education. She believes that it offers a unique blend of practical experience, professional support, and access to diverse opportunities within schools. For her, inspire+ has been invaluable in providing a supportive school environment where she can make a meaningful difference, all while working towards her long-term career goals. Through her journey, Molly is not only gaining essential skills for her future but also leaving a lasting impact on her students and school community.
To find out more about our apprenticeships, visit www.inspireplus.org.uk/apprenticeships