Celebrating our people: introducing peer shout-outs at New Meaning Training

At New Meaning Training, we know that the success of our learners is driven by the dedication, compassion and hard work of our colleagues. Every day, our teams go above and beyond to support learners, work collaboratively with each other and create positive environments where people can thrive.

While many of these efforts happen behind the scenes, we wanted to create a way to ensure they don’t go unnoticed.

That’s why we recently launched our peer shout-outs initiative.

The Peer Shout-Out form gives colleagues across New Meaning Training the opportunity to recognise and celebrate fellow team members who have made a positive impact through their actions, support, dedication or attitude.

Whether someone has gone the extra mile for a learner, stepped up to support their team, or consistently brings positivity and encouragement to those around them, the form provides a space to acknowledge their contribution and share their achievements.

The initiative was introduced not only to celebrate individual successes, but also to showcase the values that make New Meaning Training such a special place to learn and work. Recognition helps us highlight the everyday actions that make a real difference, from supporting learners through challenges to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for colleagues and young people alike.

Since launching the initiative, we’ve received some truly heartwarming nominations. The messages below are a reflection of the care, commitment and professionalism that can be found throughout New Meaning Training.

Ella – Transition Tutor, NMT Berkshire

Ella received two wonderful nominations recognising the impact she has on both learners and colleagues.

I joined Ella on Transition in January and she has been crucial in helping and guiding me to what the job entails and how to navigate the job role. She is amazing at her job and to be the person she is sharing her knowledge with is great.

Siobhan

Ella is exceptional at her job and consistently creates a welcoming, positive environment for all learners. From the moment people arrive, she makes everyone feel comfortable, valued and included, helping to build confidence and encourage participation. Her patience, kindness and approachable nature make a real difference, and she always goes above and beyond to support each individual’s learning journey. Her enthusiasm and dedication are evident in everything she does, and she genuinely inspires those around her. She is a huge asset to the team, and her passion for helping others shines through every day.”

Anonymous

Matt – Construction Tutor, NMT Nuneaton

Since joining the Nuneaton provision, Matt has made an incredible impression on learners and colleagues alike.

Since joining the Nuneaton provision in November 2025, Matthew Garratt has made a significant and positive impact on our learners. He has built strong, trusting relationships while providing consistent support with workbooks, practical activities, and Functional Skills development in both English and mathematics. Through his dedication and encouragement, learners have achieved more than ever before, with some celebrating their first academic successes. Attendance and engagement have remained consistently high, reflecting the positive learning environment he has created. Matthew is approachable, professional, and always eager to develop new skills. His commitment and enthusiasm are greatly valued and sincerely appreciated by everyone at Nuneaton.

Anonymous

Paul – Lead Construction Tutor, NMT Milton Keynes

Sometimes the simplest messages are the most powerful.

For going above and beyond welcoming me into the team and assisting with all I needed to know. Fab guy…

Vicki

Jodie – Sport Tutor, NMT Berkshire

Jodie received recognition from two colleagues for her commitment, determination and willingness to step up when needed.

Since her lead left Jodie has stepped up from a TA to do all the work that a Tutor and Lead would do, learning it all as she goes along and Leading her LSA and agency staff. Jodie has made sure she has kept up to date with it all, being very efficient and getting her students their Main Aim passes (the first in Reading). She has worked incredible hard at the 3 roles and has done so with a smile to greet all her students when they arrive.

Siobhan

Jodie has been a TA this academic year and when the lead tutor left, Jodie stepped up to run the course and has recently taken on a tutor role. She is embracing her new responsibilities with professionalism and determination. Jodie is always there for others and she’s a fantastic example of someone who has grown into her role through hard work and dedication.

Claire D

Holly – Tutor, NMT Enrichment Centre, Aylesbury

Holly was recognised for her resilience, positivity and unwavering dedication to learners.

Their contribution to supporting the Aylesbury NMT learners has been inspiring, creative and meaningful. She has shown passion and resilience despite overcoming challenges.

Jake

Holly consistently demonstrates exceptional resilience and an unwavering commitment to motivating our learners, all while maintaining a positive and approachable attitude. Despite the many changes within the Aylesbury centre, Holly has not only made me feel incredibly welcome but has also provided consistent, high-quality support to both our learners and new colleagues. Her dedication, positivity, and reliability make her a highly valued member of the team, and her contributions have had a meaningful impact on those around her.

James

Ginette – SETPD (Boost) Tutor, NMT High Wycombe

Ginette received one of the most detailed nominations submitted so far, recognising the exceptional dedication she brings to learners and colleagues every day.

“Ginette consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to supporting some of our most complex and vulnerable learners. Her work goes far beyond the expectations of her role, and her impact is felt across every aspect of our provision.

Ginette has given everything she has to guide and support learners through their exams, an already demanding task made significantly more challenging by the needs of our SEMH learners, frequent refusals, and unpredictable engagement levels. Despite these barriers, she remains patient, calm, and relentlessly encouraging. Her ability to build trust, reduce anxiety, and motivate learners who often struggle to participate is nothing short of remarkable. Many learners would not have reached the exam room, let alone completed assessments, without her steady presence and emotional support.

Ginette is the backbone of DesBox. She keeps it running smoothly, consistently, and safely, even during the busiest exam periods. Her organisation, reliability, and initiative ensure that learners always have a stable, structured environment to return to. Quite simply, without her, DesBox would not function at the level it does. Her contribution here is indispensable.

While taking on the intense workload of exam support, Ginette has continued to deliver every other aspect of her role to an exceptional standard, including teaching planning, emotional support and daily operational responsibilities. Her ability to balance all of this, without compromising quality, is a testament to her professionalism and resilience.

Ginette is not only exceptional with learners; she is a pillar of support for the team. Her reliability, calmness, and willingness to step in wherever needed make her someone colleagues depend on.

Ginette embodies the very definition of ‘above and beyond’. She consistently prioritises learner wellbeing, maintains high standards under pressure, demonstrates compassion, patience and professionalism, and upholds the values of the organisation in everything she does.

For these reasons, I strongly and wholeheartedly nominate Ginette for recognition of her excellent work, exceptional commitment, and outstanding service.”

Nicola

Claire P – Lead Construction Tutor, NMT Berkshire

Claire was recognised for her leadership and dedication while managing the demands of a busy provision.

Claire’s outstanding dedication and leadership as lead of construction. She has an incredibly demanding workload, particularly while construction have been short staffed. Despite the challenges and pressures she has faced, she has remained committed, resilient and focused on things run smoothly on her course. She puts the learners’ needs first, maintaining a positive learning environment for them.

Claire D

Nicola – SETPD (Boost) Lead Tutor, NMT High Wycombe

Nicola was nominated for the incredible support she provides to both learners and colleagues.

I would like to nominate Nicola for consistently going above and beyond in her role for both her learners and her team. She is always investing time and care to ensure every learner feels happy, safe, and comfortable and it shows in the positive environment she creates.

She’s also great at building strong relationships with parents and carers, this is evident in the way she effectively liaises with them, ensuring clear communication and holistic support for each individual.

Nicola is an amazing support to her team, always there to guide, encourage, and build confidence. She promotes a positive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued, and she works hard to ensure that teamwork runs smoothly and effectively.

She genuinely makes a difference and is so deserving of recognition.

Ginette

A culture of recognition

These nominations are just a snapshot of the incredible work taking place across New Meaning Training every day.

The Peer Shout-Out initiative was created to celebrate the people who make a difference, whether that’s supporting learners to achieve their goals, helping colleagues succeed, or creating positive and welcoming environments across our centres.

We would like to thank everyone who has submitted a nomination and congratulate all of those recognised so far. We look forward to receiving many more shout-outs and continuing to celebrate the fantastic individuals who help make New Meaning Training what it is.

Because sometimes a few words of appreciation can make a huge difference.