Building Confidence Through Professional Development
At Heart of England Training (HOET), we are proud to work alongside schools and employers that invest in the development of their staff. For All Saints CofE Primary School & Nursery, supporting Sarah Middleton to complete a School Business Professional Apprenticeship was an opportunity to help a valued member of staff grow professionally and take the next step in her career.
Sarah’s journey demonstrates how apprenticeships can unlock potential, build confidence, and create progression opportunities within the education sector.
A Supportive Learning Experience
Having previously completed an NVQ in the 1990s, Sarah found the apprenticeship experience very different from her earlier training. The blend of online learning, collaborative activities and practical application provided a modern and engaging approach to professional development.
One aspect Sarah particularly valued was the opportunity to learn alongside colleagues from a wide range of educational settings.
“I enjoyed the online day courses and found being split into Break Rooms to be beneficial. Speaking to others who are in slightly different roles in a variety of schools, from Local Authority, Academies, Primaries, Secondaries and SEND schools was really helpful.”
Sarah also credits the support of her HOET educator, Vicki, for helping her overcome moments of self-doubt throughout the programme.
“My educator Vicki was extremely supportive as I often doubted my abilities, but she gave me the encouragement and confidence to continue.”
Creating Opportunities for Career Progression
For employers, apprenticeships are about more than gaining qualifications. They are a way of developing existing staff, strengthening skills within the organisation, and creating clear pathways for progression.
Sarah believes that without the apprenticeship, she may never have pursued the opportunities that are now available to her.
“Without the possibility of my apprenticeship, I don’t think I would have been able to gain the qualification that I have. I certainly wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for a role of School Business Manager in a local Infant School.”
The support she received from her employer, HOET and her family played a crucial role in helping her achieve her goals.
“The support from HOET, my employer and family has made a profound difference.”
Sarah’s experience highlights the value of employers investing in staff development, empowering employees to take on greater responsibilities and progress within their careers.
A Career Change That Led to New Opportunities
Before moving into education, Sarah spent 22 years working in the travel industry. Seeking a role that better suited family life, she joined the education sector 10 years ago as an Administration Assistant.
With encouragement from both her employer and family, she chose to undertake the School Business Professional Apprenticeship to further her professional development and work towards her long-term career ambitions.
“I chose to complete the School Business Professional apprenticeship with encouragement from my employer and family, for my professional development, in the hope of securing a position as School Business Manager or Finance Officer.”
Now that she has completed the programme, Sarah is looking forward to applying her new knowledge and skills in the next stage of her career.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Sarah’s message to anyone considering a School Business Professional Apprenticeship is simple:
“Believe in yourself, even if you think you’re too old to learn new skills. Sometimes it’s hard, but improving yourself has huge benefits.”
She also strongly recommends apprenticeships as a route to career development and progression.
“If they offer an apprenticeship that can work happily alongside your current role, leading to a promotion, it is definitely a great idea.”
Supporting Staff Development with HOET
Sarah’s success story demonstrates the positive impact that apprenticeships can have on both individuals and employers. Through the support of All Saints CofE Primary School & Nursery and Heart of England Training, Sarah has gained a recognised qualification, developed new skills and, most importantly, built the confidence to pursue new career opportunities within education.
By investing in staff development through apprenticeships, schools can nurture talent from within, strengthen their workforce and help employees achieve their full potential.
