Designed to recognise apprentices who demonstrate exceptional commitment, achievement and professional growth, the Apprentice of the Year award celebrates those who go above and beyond in their training and careers. Our highly commended (Active IQ) recipient for 2026 is Paula Schrader, who completed the Active IQ Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship at Exeter College and whose journey is marked by excellence and an unwavering drive to improve.
Confident in practice
From the outset of her apprenticeship, Paula has demonstrated a clear and natural ability to work confidently with others and support people at different stages of their fitness journey. In practical environments, her competence is immediately reassuring and clearly evident. Her training sessions are well planned, engaging, and structured, and she communicates calmly and clearly, adapting her approach to suit individual needs.
Whether supporting beginners, experienced gym users or those with specific health considerations, Paula brings empathy, encouragement and technical precision to her coaching. Those she works with benefit not only from her expertise, but from the reassurance, motivation and trust she builds through her consistent and professional approach.
Her written work reflects the same high standards. Assignments are thoughtful, detailed and well applied to real‑world practice, and Paula actively seeks feedback, using it constructively to refine her delivery and continue growing in confidence as a professional.
Strength of character
What truly distinguishes Paula is her character. She approaches challenges with positivity and a strong solutions‑focused mindset, balancing study, practical work and wider responsibilities with consistency and commitment. Her enthusiasm is infectious, contributing positively to the learning environment and supporting those around her.
This mindset has been shaped by her long‑standing involvement in karate, where she has achieved a 2nd Dan Black Belt – a significant milestone which reflects years of discipline, perseverance and focus.
Alongside her own progression, Paula has trained and mentored young people through her karate school – experience that is clearly mirrored in her calm, confident and responsible approach as a fitness professional.
Exceptional achievement
Alongside her strong practical and interpersonal skills, Paula has achieved outstanding academic success. Throughout her 18 months as an apprentice, she has consistently pushed beyond the minimum requirements of her programme, approaching learning with determination and ambition.
As her nominator, Craig Prophett, Programme Leader at Exeter College, explains: “Paula is an outstanding apprentice who has exceeded expectations in every measurable area: academic achievement, practical competence, professional development, and personal growth.”
Paula successfully completed both the Active IQ Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Trainer Diplomas, achieving full marks in her examinations. These results reflect exceptional preparation, discipline and work ethic. Crucially, Paula did not see these achievements as an end point; instead, she viewed them as a strong foundation for further development in a competitive industry.
Motivated to broaden her expertise and better support a diverse client base, she proactively completed additional qualifications including Studio Cycling, Kettlebells and the Level 3 GP Referral course. This forward‑thinking approach demonstrates maturity, ambition and strategic thinking well beyond what would typically be expected at this stage in her career.
Impact and progression
Paula has now secured employment where she is actively applying the full range of qualifications and skills she developed through her apprenticeship. This progression reflects both her professional capability and the strong reputation she built during her time at Exeter College. Employers recognise her as driven, highly capable and committed to continuous improvement.
As Craig Prophett highlights: “Paula consistently goes above and beyond what is required. She does not settle for ‘good enough’; instead, she continually asks how she can improve, how she can deliver more effectively, and how she can better serve her clients. She exemplifies everything this award is designed to recognise.”
A richly deserved commendation
Paula’s journey reflects more than academic and practical success; it demonstrates her commitment to giving back and making a positive difference to the people she works with every day. Through her coaching, she supports others to build confidence, capability and healthier habits, and inspires them to believe in their own potential.
Her professionalism, empathy and drive ensure those around her feel motivated, supported and valued. Paula Schrader’s dedication, ambition and desire to help others make her a thoroughly deserving highly commended (Active IQ) recipient in the Apprentice of the Year category.
Speaking on her commendation, Paula says: "I feel absolutely honoured to receive a highly commended in the Apprentice of the Year category – it is a privilege to have been recognised for the hard work I strive to do. I am so grateful to have even been nominated and put forward in such a strong category."
Craig adds: “Paula is an exceptionally hardworking and dedicated apprentice who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her commitment to learning, positive attitude, and determination to succeed truly set her apart. She thoroughly deserves this recognition, and I am incredibly proud of all that she has achieved so far. I have no doubt that she will continue to grow and go on to be hugely successful in her career.”
Congratulations, Paula! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2026 page.
