At Caldecote Community Primary School, apprenticeships have become an invaluable part of their approach to staff development, particularly within the Teaching Assistant role. Kelly Rogers, the school’s employer, and Tania Arora, an apprentice currently enrolled in the Teaching Assistant Level 3 course, share their experiences and the benefits they’ve gained from this collaborative journey.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

For Kelly Rogers, taking on apprentices was a natural choice. She explains, “We have found that apprenticeships are a great way to encourage staff into the Teaching Assistant role while gaining qualifications on the job. It also enables our existing Teaching Assistants to advance their careers through further qualifications and knowledge.” This approach has proven effective, as apprentices bring new energy and fresh perspectives, while the school supports their professional development.

Tania Arora, who embarked on her apprenticeship with the school, had similar goals. “I wanted to improve my existing skills and learn more about best practices to grow professionally. I wanted to gain in-depth knowledge of my role, the education sector, how to best support children, and understand childcare from a professional perspective,” she shares. The apprenticeship has allowed Tania to achieve these objectives and more.

The Benefits of Apprenticeships

For the school, apprenticeships have brought significant benefits. Kelly highlights that apprentices help develop staff, continually improving their skill sets with the support the scheme offers. This development is not limited to the apprentices themselves, but also extends to the existing staff members, creating a positive cycle of learning and growth within the school.

Tania agrees that the apprenticeship has been enriching for her professional development. “I enjoyed completing the Day Course booklets, and most of all – preparing for my End Point Assessment. I liked engaging with and learning from experienced teachers, mentors, tutors, and gathering evidence for the course,” she says. These hands-on learning experiences have provided Tania with the knowledge and confidence to excel in her role.

Working with Heart of England Training

Both Kelly and Tania speak highly of their experiences with Heart of England Training (HOET). Kelly describes them as “incredibly supportive,” offering excellent training opportunities, advice, and continuous support for both employers and apprentices.

Tania also found the training enjoyable, as it provided a clear structure and access to expert guidance throughout the process. The partnership between the school and HOET has helped create a conducive environment for both learning and teaching.

Advice for Future Apprentices

Tania offers valuable advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship: “Be open to any suggestions, observe others, pay attention to policies and procedures. Be genuine and keep on top of those off-the-job hours! Do not let them build up.” This guidance emphasises the importance of a proactive and engaged approach to learning while balancing the practical and theoretical components of the apprenticeship.

The Case for Apprenticeships

Tania is firm in her recommendation of apprenticeships: “Certainly! It will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to do your job to the best of your ability.” She believes that the apprenticeship has not only developed her practical skills but has also empowered her to contribute more effectively in her role.

Kelly echoes this sentiment, noting how apprenticeships have benefited the school by enabling staff to continuously grow and improve their skill sets. “Having apprentices within school has been excellent. Our staff are developing and improving their skills all the time with the support that the scheme offers,” she concludes.

At Caldecote Community Primary School, apprenticeships are proving to be a win-win for both the employer and the learner, creating a positive, nurturing environment for everyone involved.