Working as a Teaching Assistant can be a rewarding career and an excellent entry point to the education sector. While you can start working in the role without formal qualifications, having a Level 3 Teaching Assistant certificate can boost your career and help you to further develop within your role.
A great way to gain this qualification is through an apprenticeship programme. This article will discuss the benefits of apprenticeship programmes for Teaching Assistants and what paths are available for those already working in the field.
Benefits of a getting qualified as a Teaching Assistant
Higher employability and demand
Schools heavily prioritise Level 3 qualifications, as they represent industry-standard training for effective classroom support.
Increased responsibility
Level 3 Teaching Assistants do more than just general classroom support; they are trained to handle behaviour management, lead small group activities, and support pupils with specific learning needs.
Path to progression
A Level 3 qualification acts as a necessary stepping stone for advancement into senior roles, such as a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant, or for those transitioning into teacher training.
Benefits of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are on the job training programmes that are suitable for individuals aged 16 and over. While many use apprenticeships in order to start a career, they are also available for those already working who wish to gain additional qualifications in their current role. Some benefits of apprenticeship programmes include:
Fully funded training
Apprenticeships are fully funded for the learner, reducing the financial burden that other training options such as university often pose.
Learn as you earn
In addition to the apprenticeships being funded, they are also designed to be done alongside full-time work allowing learners to learn as they earn and develop hands on skills with their theoretical knowledge.
Become a specialist
A Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme not only helps you develop your current skills, but it will also expose you to specialist knowledge. Through your apprenticeship programme you can find areas of teaching that interest you such as Special Educational Needs (SEN) and specialise, making you more employable while helping you realise your passion.
Case study: Marie O’keeffe from Oasis Academy Shirley Park
Marie is a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentice at Oasis Academy Shirkey Park. This programme is Marie’s second apprenticeship with LMP having previously completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme.
“I have worked in my school for nearly 10 years. Doing the apprenticeship has made me more confident and believe in myself which I am then passing on to the children. The apprenticeship makes me understand why some children behaviour the way they do, and what I can to do support them to give them the best school experience.” Read Marie’s full story.
Teaching Assistant apprenticeships available
LMP Education has 3 Teaching Assistant programmes that help learners find the right path for them:
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3
This Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship provides rewarding and fulfilling career path involving hands-on training and valuable experience in an educational setting. The refreshed curriculum features embedded Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) content as part of the core curriculum, ensuring all apprentices develop essential knowledge and understanding of inclusive education.
Learn about the Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme
Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway Apprenticeship Level 3
This Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship provides rewarding and fulfilling career path involving hands-on learning and the implementation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) policies, processes, and procedures. This programme also includes an additional Level 2 qualification accredited by NCFE to deepen SEND expertise and support progression.
Learn more about the Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway
This work-based training programmes allows you to learn and earn whilst working towards the Level 3 Apprenticeship and Diploma in Delivering Physical Activity and Sport within the School Environment.
Teaching Assistant Sports Pathway Apprenticeship Level 3
This programme uses the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Standard along with an embedded coaching qualification to enable those in a Sports Teaching Assistant role to achieve a relevant qualification whilst working in this position.
Learn more about the Teaching Assistant Sports pathway
Are you ready to take the leap into apprenticeships?
Apply online here
Explore all Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship programmes!
