Fascinating insights about the people behind their apprenticeship achievements
I joined Ebor Academy Trust in 2016 and was fortunate enough to be offered a position at Staynor Hall Community Primary Academy, a brand new school in Selby. Whilst I had a wealth of admin knowledge, I had no school experience so learned my role on the job and received plenty of support from other schools. In 2019 I felt confident enough to enrol on the School Business Professional Apprenticeship. However, not long after starting, the world was hit by the Covid pandemic so all my learning was carried out remotely. The apprenticeship did not come without its challenges, I did struggle at times, my husband frequently worked away from home, I had three children and a full-time job, however, I was always reassured by my tutor “that I could do it” and felt fully supported throughout the whole process. I was one of three who qualified and felt immensely proud of myself and it was a huge achievement (especially at my age). Whilst I continue to work as the School Business Manager at Staynor, I would say that my role hasn’t particularly changed, however, it has made me much more confident in my ability, and in October this year, I collaborated with an external childcare booking provider and piloted the outsourcing of our wraparound bookings. To date, the pilot is doing extremely well and we are anticipating an increase in turnover of £18k by the end of the academic year and the additional income generated will make a huge difference to our school.
Completing the apprenticeship programme has given me the knowledge and practical experience that I use everyday when working in my role. With the skills I learned, I now have the confidence and ability to provide the children with the best education and care.
Upon completing the Level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship, I was able to progress in my career and was offered a HLTA post within the school’s alternative provision. I spent three years doing this, whilst completing my BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth with The Open University. I graduated with a First-Class Honours award. I am now completing my Teacher Training and hope to secure an SEN teaching post once completed. I wouldn’t have taken this leap if it wasn’t for completing my Level 3 apprenticeship.
Throughout the training I have seen a lot of development in my work. Everything that was explained to me in theory has been applied in my workplace. The main thing was the help and support I received, this let me understand better and push my limits both theoretically and practically, especially during work hours. Completing the course has made me a more socially confident and outgoing person in school and therefore more comfortable with colleagues and working with students.
possible. I really feel like I now make a difference in the children’s education and bring out the best in them. Watching the children make progress throughout the year is one of my favourite things about being a Teaching Assistant.
