In England, the number of school support staff has increased over the last two years, rising to 502,600 in 2021/22. This has mainly been driven by an increase of 4,400 teaching assistants, who mostly work in nurseries as well as primary schools.
Teaching assistant apprenticeships offer the opportunity to hire, upskill and implement a culture of learning to both new and existing staff. With a 94% pass rate, our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is an ideal fit, designed to equip your staff with all the knowledge and skills required in the role.
How does it affect schools?
Teaching Assistant and other school-based apprenticeships can be used as part of strategic workforce planning, which can benefit both you and your apprentice.
Claire Antrobus, Deputy Head at Sherbourne Fields, felt she has truly benefitted from having apprentices. It has enabled staff to receive continuous support throughout various departments of the school as well as other school activities, like their Breakfast Club.
“We work very closely as a team and want the apprentices to feel that support and know that they are welcomed into the team from day one. Regular meetings with our apprentices ensure that they are fully supported and achieving their true potential.”
Claire added that a former apprentice, who started as a work experience student, became a Teaching Assistant and has recently secured a new role within the school.
“She learnt so much through the apprenticeship scheme, both theatrical and practical support in the classroom…We continue to shape and model a member of staff so that they can become a Teaching Assistant at Sherbourne Fields.”
What are the benefits?
Apprenticeships are an exciting option for both apprentice and employer.
The biggest advantages of having a Teaching Assistant apprentice at your school can include:
- Recruiting for new staff
- Upskill and retain existing staff
- Encouraging staff to develop their career pathway
- A chance to build a diverse and enthusiastic workforce
How we can support you
Throughout the Teaching Assistant Course, we will provide your apprentice one-to-one contact sessions with an Educator, remote (online) day courses and assignments/ projects through an e-portfolio.
Apprentices who complete the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Standard are also entitled to a 20% discount on our Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Qualification.
Want to take the next step?
Is your school looking for an apprentice? Contact us to find out more or take a look at our Apprenticeship Information for Employers.
We offer a variety of other courses – not just for schools, but business and salons too across a broad range of sectors.
