Dakota Gyle is an 18-year-old SEND Teaching Assistant apprentice from Wrightwick Hall School. For National Apprenticeship Week Dekota shared her story with the LMP team:
“Through completing my last apprenticeship, I realised that I wanted to work with children with special educational needs. I wanted to do something different and work with older children, as I had previously worked in a nursery which led me to choosing the Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway apprenticeship.
The main benefit of this programme is the fact that I am getting first-hand experience that helps me with my apprenticeship work. I am also earning as part of the programme so I don’t have to get a job separately.
The best parts of my job are the children and staff, I love the children and staff I work with. This role has good working hours and I enjoy the routine of the school but also having surprises every day.
All staff at my workplace have been a huge support to me and guided me through my first few months. My LMP tutor Amy Albutt always makes time for me if I need advice, even if she’s extremely busy. She will check over my work and is always available for my questions no matter how small.
I have become more resilient over the last few months. At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I really worried about every move I made in my role. I’ve learned that I don’t need to worry as much, I just need to keep trying.”
Well done, Dekota, we wish you all the best in your apprenticeship!
If you are interested in starting a teaching apprenticeship, explore our Teaching Assistant Development and Early Years apprenticeships!
