Teaching Assistant Finley leverages apprenticeship to grow career

Working in education can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. Inspire ATA apprentice Finley Townley has utilised a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in St Leonards Primary School to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. Here is his story: 

“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in education straight from high school. Being an apprentice had made me have the drive to peruse my career in education. I wanted to gain hands on experience whilst also chasing my dreams of progressing a pupil.  

I decided to do an apprenticeship as I knew it would allow to gain hands on experience and knowledge while earning a wage at the same time. 

The online learning really helps to understand children and teaches you strategies to help you in situations, which I think is key. 

One of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship programme is meeting new people and chasing my dreams while getting learning and hands on experience at the same time. 

I’m most proud of the confidence I’ve grown to speak and lead intervention groups by myself, creating my own resources, and knowing I am making an impact in a child’s life. 

The most important skills I’ve developed are learning about British Values and acknowledging that everyone is important. You need to treat your job as a role model for the pupils. 

The best thing about my role is seeing progress from my pupils you have been supporting which is super rewarding. I can see the progress in intervention sessions, in their behaviour and their learning. 

I have been supported through many calls with Inspire ATA which helped me go from high school to another classroom environment which worked better for me. The team at Inspire ATA helped me learn key values and what to do whilst in school. 

After completing my apprenticeship, I would like to go on to become a teacher.” 

Well done Finley, best of luck in your journey! 

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