LMP Education is proud to partner with Oasis Community Learning providing tailored apprenticeship training programmes to develop their staff. Since 2018, LMP has supported over 600 apprenticeships across the Oasis trust nationwide.
Amirah Mahmood is a Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant apprentice at Oasis Academy Temple who used the apprenticeship path to start her dream career in education. Here is her story:
“Before starting this apprenticeship, I completed a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course, which helped lay a strong foundation for my progression into this role. I chose to pursue this Level 3 apprenticeship because it aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a primary school teacher. My plan is to continue developing my skills by progressing to a Level 5 qualification, and from there, exploring the next steps needed to reach my career aspirations. I’ve wanted to become a primary school teacher since high school, but I didn’t achieve the grades I initially aimed for to go straight to university. After speaking with family members and reflecting on my options, I realised an apprenticeship was the right path for me. It allows me to earn while I learn, gain hands-on experience, and build the practical knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the classroom.
In my opinion, one of the main benefits of completing a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real classroom setting. This practical learning allows you to apply what you’re studying directly to your day-to-day work, helping you build a strong understanding of how schools operate. Another key benefit is being able to earn a wage while you learn, making it a more accessible and financially sustainable route into education. The apprenticeship also helps you develop a wide range of professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, behaviour management, and lesson support, all of which are essential in supporting both teachers and pupils effectively. By the end of the apprenticeship, you gain a nationally recognised qualification that can open doors to further study and career progression, whether that’s a Level 5 course or eventually training to become a teacher. Most importantly, the experience helps build your confidence and independence, preparing you for the next steps in your career in education.
My LMP tutor Melanie Paul was wonderful all throughout my apprenticeship as whenever I needed support she would always be there. I had such wonderful colleagues to work alongside with and have made many friends. Throughout my programme, I have received consistent support from both my workplace and my training provider. In school, I’ve had a mentor or class teacher who has guided me daily, offering feedback, sharing best practices, and helping me reflect on my progress. The wider staff have also been welcoming and encouraging, which has helped me feel confident and part of the team. From my training provider, I’ve had regular check-ins and reviews with my tutor or assessor, who has supported me with my coursework, set clear targets, and provided useful resources to help me develop my knowledge and skills. This combined support has made a big difference to my learning experience, helping me grow both professionally and personally throughout the apprenticeship.
During my apprenticeship, I’ve had a positive impact on both the pupils and the wider school community. I have supported individual pupils and small groups with their learning, helping to boost their confidence, improve their understanding, and keep them engaged in lessons. I’ve also contributed to creating a calm and supportive classroom environment by assisting with behaviour management and adapting activities to meet the needs of different learners. Teachers have often said that my support has allowed them to focus more on delivering quality teaching, knowing that pupils are receiving extra help when needed. I’ve also taken initiative in areas such as preparing resources, supporting with classroom displays, and helping during school events. Overall, I feel I’ve become a reliable and valued member of the team, making a real difference to pupils’ learning and the daily running of the classroom.
The most valuable skill I have learnt during my apprenticeship is effective communication — both when working with children with SEND and when collaborating with colleagues. Supporting a child with additional needs has taught me how important it is to use clear, patient, and adaptive communication to build trust and ensure they feel understood and supported. At the same time, working closely with teachers and other staff has helped me develop professional communication skills, such as listening actively, following guidance, and sharing observations in a respectful and helpful way. This skill is so important to me because strong communication is at the heart of building positive relationships, supporting pupil progress, and being an effective and reliable team member in the classroom.
After completing this programme, my next career step is to progress onto a Level 5 Teaching Assistant qualification. I want to continue developing my skills and deepen my understanding of how to support pupils with a wider range of needs. Gaining this higher-level qualification will help me take on more responsibility within the classroom and prepare me for future roles in education. My long-term goal is to become a primary school teacher, so continuing my learning and gaining experience through the Level 5 course is an important step towards achieving that goal.
The advice I would give to anyone thinking of starting an apprenticeship is not to be discouraged if things don’t go exactly as planned, especially if you didn’t get the grades you were hoping for. There are always alternative routes to reach your goals, and an apprenticeship is a great option. It allows you to gain real experience, earn a wage, and continue learning at the same time. If you’re passionate about a particular career, like working in education, an apprenticeship can be a valuable stepping stone to help you build your skills, grow in confidence, and work your way up towards your long-term goals. Everyone’s journey is different, and what matters most is staying motivated and making the most of the opportunities available to you”
Well done Amirah, best of luck in the future!
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