There are some awards that celebrate achievement. Others celebrate the difference someone makes to the lives of others.
We’re incredibly proud to share that Tony, Inspire’s Skills Lead, has been named Adult Educator of the Year at the Suffolk Adult Learning Awards.
Sponsored by the Adult Learning Service, the award recognises educators who go above and beyond to equip adult learners with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need for the future through inclusive and inspiring teaching.
The award was presented by Caroline Elgood, Adult Learning Quality Manager at the Adult Learning Service, during a ceremony hosted by Gulshan Kayembe, celebrating the outstanding educators, learners and organisations making a difference across Suffolk.
For those who know Tony, this recognition comes as no surprise.
A journey that has come full circle
Long before he became an award-winning educator, Tony was a young person on the The Prince’s Trust TEAM programme himself.
That experience shaped not only his career, but the way he supports every learner who walks through the door. More than 20 years later, he has never forgotten what it feels like to be on the receiving end of encouragement, guidance and belief.
Over the past eight years at Inspire, Tony has progressed from Youth Employment Coach to Skills Lead, developing and delivering employability programmes that have helped hundreds of young people take their next steps towards education, employment and training.
His four-day employability workshop, which he designed from the ground up, has become a cornerstone of Inspire’s support for young people who are NEET or facing barriers to employment. Through practical learning, personalised support and genuine encouragement, Tony helps young people rebuild confidence and recognise their own potential.
It’s the little things that make the biggest difference
What makes Tony exceptional isn’t just the programmes he delivers or the outcomes he achieves. It’s the way he shows up for people.
He’s the person who stays behind after a session to help perfect a CV before an interview. He’s the person who stays behind after a session to help perfect a CV, makes that extra phone call to an employer, or spends another hour helping someone prepare for their first interview.
When a young person risked missing out on employment because they didn’t have the right equipment, Tony made sure they were ready for day one.
When another learner was struggling at home without something as basic as a washing machine, Tony didn’t simply point them towards support. He called on his own network, found one, and helped get it installed.
These aren’t extraordinary moments for Tony. They’re simply part of how he works.
Measurable impact, lasting change
Tony’s passion is matched by results.
Learners consistently describe his teaching as engaging, supportive and empowering. Through his employability programme:
- 67.14% of participants achieve a positive outcome.
- 75.9% rate the teaching as excellent.
- 89.7% feel supported throughout the course.
- 100% rate the activities positively.
- 98.3% would recommend the programme to others.
Behind every statistic is a young person who has grown in confidence, gained new skills and taken a positive step towards their future.
Congratulations, Tony
Everyone at Inspire is incredibly proud of Tony and this well-deserved recognition.
His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, lives can change. From once being a participant himself to now receiving Suffolk’s Adult Educator of the Year Award, Tony embodies everything Inspire believes in: that every young person deserves the chance to discover their purpose and fulfil their potential.
Congratulations, Tony, and thank you for the difference you make every single day.
