Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Teaching assistant apprenticeships are a relatively new but increasingly popular way of training and hiring teaching support staff in our schools. Read on to find out more about teaching assistant apprenticeships.
First introduced in 2012, these programmes allow applicants to work in a classroom environment while studying toward a teaching assistant qualification over a 1 to 2-year period. Starting salaries for teaching assistants range from £15,000-£19,000. Teaching assistant apprentices get the benefit of real on-the-job training while schools can bring in new talent.
The Role of a Teaching Assistant Apprentice
As an apprentice teaching assistant, the main role is to provide classroom support to teachers and students. Day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- working with small groups of students
- one-on-one support to reinforce lessons
- supporting students who have special educational needs and disabilities
- preparing educational materials and activities
- setting up equipment or technology in the classroom
Teaching assistant apprentices also assist with record-keeping and administrative tasks, but most of their work involves interacting directly with students. The hands-on experience gained allows teaching assistant apprentices to develop classroom management and instruction skills under the guidance of experienced teachers.
Requirements and Training
To be eligible for a teaching assistant apprenticeship in the UK, applicants typically need to be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of 5 GCSEs with English and Maths. Programmes usually last 1-2 years depending on the level of qualification being earned, such as a Certificate, Diploma or Level 3/Advanced qualification.
Training consists of a combination of on-the-job experience at a school for 3-4 days per week, along with formal classroom study (off-the-job training) for the remaining 1-2 days. Some programmes include up to 30 days of additional training outside of the regular school terms as well.
Funding is available through government-approved apprenticeship schemes, so participants can earn a wage while they learn. This is a major advantage as apprentices complete their training debt-free. Upon completion, many apprentices obtain permanent teaching assistant jobs at the schools where they trained.
Am I Suitable for a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship?
Here are a few key things to consider when evaluating if a teaching assistant apprenticeship may be a good fit for you:
– Do you enjoy working with children and young people? Teaching assistants work closely with students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, so having an interest in helping them learn and develop is essential.
– Are you patient and able to remain calm under pressure? Classrooms can be hectic environments. Being able to handle disruptions and challenging student behaviours in a constructive way is important.
– Can you follow instructions and work as part of a team? You’ll need to work closely with teachers to support lessons and activities. Being a collaborative team player is key.
– Do you have strong communication skills? Teaching assistants need to be able to communicate well with students, teachers, parents and other school staff. Strong verbal and written skills are a must.
As long as you have the desire to work with students, essential interpersonal skills and meet the eligibility criteria, a teaching assistant apprenticeship can be a great way to start your education career.
Apply for Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships Today
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in education, then a teaching assistant apprenticeship may be the perfect way to get started. Check out the Employing an Apprentice jobs board for all the latest teaching assistant apprenticeship opportunities in your area.
Be sure to read over our reasons to start an apprenticeship and who can start an apprenticeship guides too. This will ensure that you’ve got all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. And finally, don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter below for all the latest news and apprenticeship opportunities from Employing an Apprentice.
