At Heart of England Training (HOET), we’re proud to support apprentices who want to grow their confidence, develop practical skills, and build a career while learning on the job. One learner who’s recently done exactly that is Megan Maryan, who has completed her Teaching Assistant Level 3 (TA3) apprenticeship with her employer, The Norton Knatchbull School in Kent.
Megan’s experience also reflects the strength of employer partnerships we build at HOET. The Norton Knatchbull School currently has 10 apprentices training with us — a real commitment to developing staff through structured training, support, and recognised qualifications.
Why Megan chose an apprenticeship
For Megan, the decision to take the apprenticeship route was about finding a pathway that combined learning with real-life experience in a school setting.
As she explains, she wanted something that would allow her to put theory into practice and learn while doing the job. That balance is one of the biggest advantages of apprenticeships — you’re not learning in isolation. You’re building knowledge and applying it in your day-to-day role, which helps learning stick and boosts confidence faster.
What stood out about training with HOET
A positive apprenticeship experience depends on high-quality training and consistent support, and Megan highlights both in her feedback about HOET.
“The training I received was brilliant,” she says. Megan also credits her educator, Fay, for helping her stay on track and feel supported throughout the programme. Fay ensured Megan had the resources she needed to succeed, with regular meetings and ongoing communication by email.
That combination — structured check-ins, clear guidance, and practical resources — is exactly what we aim to deliver. Apprentices are juggling work responsibilities alongside their learning, so dependable support matters. Megan’s experience shows what can happen when training is well-organised, personal, and built around the reality of a working environment.
Megan’s advice: “Take the chance — it has been an amazing opportunity and has opened doors and opportunities to me that I didn’t know were available before this.”
Putting learning into practice in a school environment
When asked whether the apprenticeship has been beneficial to her role, Megan is clear: learning new approaches and being able to apply them directly in the workplace made a real difference.
In education, the impact of a Teaching Assistant is often seen in the day-to-day moments — supporting pupils, reinforcing learning, building routines, and helping create a positive classroom environment. Having the chance to develop skills through a programme like TA3 can strengthen confidence, improve understanding, and support professional growth in a way that’s grounded in real experience.
Megan’s story is a strong reminder that apprenticeships aren’t only about achieving a qualification (although that’s a major achievement in itself). They’re about becoming more capable in your role, reflecting on your practice, and building skills you can take forward throughout your career.
Would Megan recommend HOET?
Yes — and her message is simple.
“I would,” Megan says when asked if she’d recommend an apprenticeship with HOET. “If you’re thinking of doing an apprenticeship, I do think HOET would be an amazing choice.”
It’s feedback we’re genuinely proud of, because it speaks to what matters most: supportive educators, a clear learning journey, and training that feels relevant and useful.
A proud partnership with The Norton Knatchbull School
We’re delighted to work with employers like The Norton Knatchbull School who actively invest in their people. With 10 apprentices currently on programme with HOET, they’re helping staff gain new knowledge, strengthen professional confidence, and grow long-term capability within the school community.
Congratulations again to Megan on completing her Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship — and thank you to The Norton Knatchbull School for continuing to champion apprenticeships as a route to meaningful development.
Interested in apprenticeships for your school or organisation?
If you’re an employer looking to develop your team through apprenticeships — or you’re an individual considering your next step — get in touch with Heart of England Training to find out how we can support you.
