14TH MAR 2023
Meet Emily, Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Forest View Primary School
Our Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship is a great stepping stone to a career in the education sector. Apprentices gain experience from experts with years of experience in the industry and developing skills to become occupationally dependant.
We met up with Emily Oakley, a Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Forest View Primary School to learn more about why she wanted to become an apprentice, what she gets up to, and the opportunities available to her after completion.
Here's what Emily had to say:
"Once I completed my GCSEs, I didn't want to continue for A-levels at school. I looked into 'on-the-job' training and felt this opportunity would give me more fulfilment.
"Being a teaching assistant is difficult and you have to manage your time between studying and working. However, I think it's much more enjoyable than being in college full-time. I'm currently a TA, which is demanding and busy most days but I get so much enjoyment and variation out of it.
"I spend most of my time assisting the class teacher by helping to support the students, take intervention sessions, supporting children with additional needs, and general tasks during lesson time.
"I've learned many skills as a teaching assistant and it's been further supported by my team and college tutors. I can use two afternoons a week to work on my studies and the school allows me time to do this.
"The best thing about this apprenticeship is being able to gain my level 3 qualification, working with children, a paid job, and being able to receive the skills necessary to give me the option to go to university to train as a primary school teacher.
"I've been supported by Gloucestershire College support teams and mentorship. They have guided me throughout the past two years with positivity and enthusiasm.
"Apprenticeships allow you on-the-job training to see if an area are interested in could be a career aspect for you by gaining industry experience. If you're looking for an apprenticeship, do it! It will be the best experience of on-the-job training."
Recruit an apprentice or upskill your staff with Gloucestershire College
Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2022,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers.
Whether you are looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill a current member of staff, our Employer Training & Apprenticeships team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business.
Contact: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk or call 0345 155 2020
Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College
Ages 16 or above can apply for your chosen apprenticeship programme through our website. You can also check our live vacancies with local employers looking to recruit new talent!
If you are already employed, you can use the apprenticeship scheme to upskill and gain qualifications to boost your career. Explore our programmes and get in touch with our Employer Training & Apprenticeships team to get started.
