Apprenticeships provide more than just a certificate; they are a way for individuals to grow in their career and develop skills for life. Anita Coling is a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentice at Queen Eleanor’s Church of England School who has made the most of the benefits of apprenticeships. Here is her story:
“I chose to this apprenticeship because I am very interested in SEND and recently passed my Level 3 teaching assistant course and this was next step on my continual professional development. I was attracted to this course because it fits in with my job.
The flexibility of the course means that I can fit it around my job and I’m learning and gaining new skills at the same time. The positive impact it has made on my job is immense. I have had positive comments from other staff members.
I really proud that I’ve gained an added respect from other colleagues since I started the course. Also, secured an hour each morning to concentrate on the course and not be interrupted. I use this time for off jobs, maths and assignments time.
The best thing about this apprenticeship is learning on the job which is great for confidence and self-esteem.
Organising my workload and keeping worked filed and labelled has been a great skill to learn. Otherwise, I can never find things I need particularly when I am researching for an assignment.
I feel that I’m more aware of when children are struggling because of my own personal needs. Because I have been in similar situations when a child find tasks are so difficult to understand and wonders why everyone else understands it and they don’t. Teaching Assistants are invaluable and should be appreciated and valued for what they contribute to the role.
Since I started my level apprenticeship, I have felt that the tutors have been meeting my individual needs as I have dyslexia and dyspraxia. So, I now find the course enjoyable and most importantly able to stay on task and don’t get bogged down with the workload. As time management has not always been my best asset! I am now looking forward to the future, staying positive and using daily goals to keep me focus and have fun on the way.
The next step in my career is to work within a pastoral role, like a home link worker.”
Well done Anita, best of luck in the future!
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