Apprentice Aimeejoe starts a meaningful career in SEND education

Inspire ATA are proud to share stories of apprentices from across programmes. Today we have the story of Aimeejoe, a 21-year-old Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant apprentice from Thomas Bewick school. Here is her story: 

“I chose this SEND apprenticeship programme because I have always wanted to work in a role where I could make a real difference in young people’s lives. Working at Thomas Bewick School has made me even more passionate about supporting children with special educational needs.  

I enjoy helping pupils overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. This apprenticeship has given me the chance to gain hands-on experience while learning from experienced colleagues in a supportive environment. 

I have developed a strong understanding of how to meet the individual needs of the students, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of their progress. I know this is the right path for me, and I am committed to continuing my journey in SEND education. 

One of the main benefits of an apprenticeship programme is that it allows you to learn and develop your skills in a real working environment. At Thomas Bewick School, I have been able to work directly with pupils with a wide range of special educational needs while also studying towards my Level 3 qualification. This hands-on experience has helped me build confidence, develop practical strategies, and really understand the needs of the children I support. 

Another benefit is the guidance and support from experienced staff. I have learned so much from the teachers and teaching assistants around me, and I have been able to apply what I learn in training straight into the classroom. Being part of a team and seeing the impact of my support on the pupils’ progress has been incredibly rewarding. The apprenticeship has prepared me not just for a job, but for a meaningful career in SEND education. 

The best thing about my role is being able to make a real difference in the lives of the pupils I support. Working with children with special educational needs at Thomas Bewick School is incredibly rewarding — every day is different, and even small steps in their progress feel like big achievements. I love building strong, trusting relationships with the pupils, and seeing their confidence grow over time. It is especially fulfilling when I help a student overcome a challenge or achieve something they have been working hard on. Being part of their journey and knowing that I have played a role in helping them succeed is what makes this job so special to me. 

Inspire ATA has been incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship. From the start, they have offered clear guidance about the expectations of the programme and regular check-ins to make sure I am on track. My development coach has been especially helpful — offering feedback on my coursework, answering any questions I have, and making sure I feel confident in both my studies and my role in school. They have also provided useful resources and training to help me build my knowledge and skills. Knowing that I have someone I can turn to for support at any time has really helped me stay focused and motivated throughout the apprenticeship. 

Through this apprenticeship, I have developed a wide range of ‘Skills for Life’ that are not only important for my career, but also for everyday situations. One of the biggest skills I have gained is communication — learning how to adapt the way I speak and listen depending on the needs of each pupil has helped me become more patient, clear, and understanding. I have also built strong teamwork skills by working closely with other staff members and contributing to a supportive learning environment. 

Time management, problem-solving, and resilience are other key skills I have developed. These are important because in an SEN setting, things can change quickly, and you need to stay calm, flexible, and focused to give the best support possible. These life skills will continue to help me in both my personal and professional life, as they are valuable in any situation that involves working with others, solving challenges, or supporting people in need. 

After completing this apprenticeship, my next step is to go to college to study for my Level 4 qualification in Working with Children and Families. This will help me deepen my understanding of child development and how to provide the best possible support to children and their families. From there, I plan to continue progressing to Level 5 and Level 6, with the goal of becoming a fully qualified teacher in the future. This apprenticeship has reaffirmed my passion for working in education, especially in SEND settings, and I am excited to keep building my skills and experience as I work towards my long-term career goals.” 

Best of luck in the future, Aimeejoe! 

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