Engage Education is an international education recruitment agency that matches teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff with schools across the UK. Engage has partnered with LMP Education to provide Teaching Assistant apprenticeship training to support career development within the education sector.
Leanne Upton is a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprentice with Engage Education; here is her story:
“I chose this apprenticeship because it offered the perfect, hands-on environment to develop my teaching skills while actively making a difference in the local community. It also fit around home life having 2 children of my own.
I opted for an apprenticeship over university because I wanted to gain real world classroom experience and earn a qualification simultaneously rather than studying the theory in isolation.
The main benefits are the ability to learn directly from experienced professionals daily, avoid student debt and build immediate practical workplace confidence.
I am most proud of seeing the academic and emotional progress in the children I have supported individually throughout the year. It’s been so wonderful to see the children come on leaps and bounds and build a strong rapport with them.
The best thing about my role is building positive relationships with the children and seeing the spark of understanding on their faces when a difficult concept finally clicks. The silly moments with them are also something you cannot beat.
I have felt incredibly supported by the welcoming team Engage Education and LMP who guide my daily practice alongside my LMP Tutor who provides brilliant academic guidance and feedback. I have utilised my Tutor Kymberley throughout even during hard times where I doubted myself and honestly couldn’t praise her more.
The most important skill I’ve learned is adaptability which is crucial because every child learns differently and classroom dynamics can change in an instant.
In my role as a TA my impact centres on bridging the gap between teaching and understanding. By providing 1-to-1 and small group support, I’ve helped boost the academic confidence of pupils particularly those with SEND or EAL needs changing their frustration into independent learning. Beyond academics, I act as an approachable mentor helping pupils manage their emotions and social skills which fosters a more inclusive and focused classroom environment.
My next step is to progress into a full-time Teaching Assistant role and eventually pursue further qualifications to become a HLTA.”
Well done Leanne, best of luck in the future!
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