” My apprenticeship gave me a great starting point for my career, allowing me to explore a lot of different skills and gaining an in-depth understanding of different areas across Achieving for Children. I now work as a Business Support Officer which is extremely rewarding and varied each day.”

Achieving for Children

“I had been working as a Support Assistant in a primary school for a year before I started my Level 3 apprenticeship and felt I needed more training on improving my professional practice. I spoke to my Schools SENCO and she organised for me to start the Level 3 apprenticeship course with Way2Work. 

Tara came to my setting and explained to me what the apprenticeship involved and what was expected from me. She was so lovely and kind. Throughout the whole course she was in constant contact with me and I felt comfortable asking her anything! The assignments were interesting and engaging and clearly explained what was expected. I feel I have learnt so much from the apprenticeship and I really do feel my practice at work has greatly improved. I have found myself having to ask the teacher less of what I need to do as I now know what is expected from what I have learnt during the apprenticeship. 

I am now currently completing a Foundation Degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practice at university and hope to one day get a full time role working with children with Special Educational Needs.”

Alexandra School

“After spending 2 years at college studying childcare, I always knew this is something that I wanted to do, so I decided to try something new and learn whilst being on the job which is the best decision I made.

After applying for a level 3 advanced apprentice teaching assistant, I was soon contacted by Mary for an interview to discuss it further then within a couple days I attended an interview at the primary school, later that week I received a call which informed me that I got the job. 

After settling into my new job, Tara came in to visit me to discuss how I would submit my work and the units that I would be writing about. She was so reassuring and made sure I understood. She always explained each unit well so I would know what to do. She was very quick at marking the work, and would often send me a few units at a time so I had plenty to get on with. She was also available for any questions I had and supported me the whole way.

Coming towards the end of my apprenticeship, Tara helped me in advance to search for a job so that I would have one in time for my end date. Luckily the school kept me on. I am now a qualified teaching assistant and within the future I aim to become a teacher.

Way2Work and Tara have helped and supported me so much. I thank you all!”

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to develop a career within the education industry. Years later, I became a lunchtime supervisor at the school my children attended. I heard about an apprenticeship vacancy working as a one-to-one, whilst studying a Level 3 in Teaching and Learning. I applied for the role and was interviewed by Mary, and later Tara, who became my mentor on the course. After having another interview with my headteacher, I began my course in January 2020. 

I spent a few weeks getting to know the children in my class and the child I would be working with, before having a meeting with Tara and getting started on my coursework. Each of the units were sent over with plenty of time to complete the work, before being uploaded and signed off on my one-file. I was supported during the whole course by Tara; we had regular meetings and she was always on hand to answer any questions or offer any support that I needed. 

I really enjoyed the course as a whole; the learning-based part was interesting, and the practical side allowed me to put into practise what I had been learning about. I was challenged in various ways during my course; my experience with Autism was put to the test, including finding different ways of supporting a child who found learning hard, and figuring out what rewards and positive reinforcements worked. 

During my time as an apprentice, I was able to work across reception, as well as years 1 and 2. This was an incredible insight into the difference between EYFS and key stages; I learnt a variety of skills needed to assist a range of different children and needs. Being able to observe the way others responded to difficult behaviour was beneficial within my career – lots of these methods I have used and adapted as necessary even past qualifying. 

7 months on from my course finishing and being qualified, I am working as a teaching assistant in year 5; my next step in my career path is to study a Level 4 course to become a higher level TA.”

We’ve had a benefit of recruiting a school leaver with Government assistance. This solution is flexible and cost effective. It also, in my opinion, helps young people find their way to the workplace – which is a bonus! It was a very positive experience working with Way 2 Work. The staff were always approachable and helpful.

We have been able to recruit and train a young person, and then have them progress into a more permanent role. This dual outcome helps promote the organisation to other young people as a place to start their careers.

Way 2 Work is a great organisation and it is a pleasure working with them.

We have greatly benefited having another pair of hands in the team, and achieved more this year than we would have been able to otherwise.