Hannah develops a teaching career through a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to gain knowledge and experience in a non-traditional classroom environment. Hannah Davison used a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship to start her dream career in a school. Here is her story: 

“I chose this programme as Thomas Bewick School seemed like a good place to work and I have always wanted a career in a school. I felt like this was the best step to get me to my ideal future. 

I am not a classroom-based learner I have always found I work best with hands on experience as I lose focus in a classroom, so an apprenticeship path was great for me. 

The main benefit of an apprenticeship programme is that you gain valuable learning experiences that you wouldn’t get in a classroom. 

I have achieved special bonds with coworkers and all the children I work with and feel I have finally found a place where I know what I am doing. With more teaching assistants available, the pupils have more support due to there being more staff to help them and they have more people to feel supported by. 

The best thing about my role is seeing the children I work with progress and the bonds I have formed with them. 

In my apprenticeship have developed my teamwork and this so important as you can’t do everything on your own. It’s good to know that the people you work with are always there to help to get things done or when you need support. 

Emily and Julie from Inspire ATA have supported me a lot. They are just the best they always answer any questions and are very supportive through my work they give me pointers and make sure I am okay and comfortable and have monthly check ins making sure I am still happy and feeling and always check on my mental health. 

My next step would be to go for a Level 4 role at Thomas Bewick school.” 

Well done Hannah, best of luck in the future!