Apprentice Spotlight: Teaching Assistant Learner Shares Their Journey Into Education

Our Teaching Assistant apprenticeship continues to open doors for learners who want to build meaningful careers in education.  One of our current apprentices Debbie has shared how the programme has helped them grow in confidence, develop new skills, and confirm their ambition to work with children.

Choosing an Apprenticeship to Make a Difference

For Debbie, the decision to start an apprenticeship came from a genuine passion for supporting young people. She says how, “I wanted to work with kids and pick up a qualification at the same time I’ve always liked helping others and actually making a difference.”

Why the Teaching Assistant Programme?

Teaching Assistant Apprentices study key areas such as child development, safeguarding, and supporting learning, all while gaining hands on experience in a school. Debbie described the application process at the college as straightforward and helpful in confirming their career direction. “It made me think about why I wanted to work with kids and if I was right for the job.”

She says how Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with Grantham College and Little Gonerby Primary school stood out because it combines classroom experience with structured learning. “You get real experience in a classroom while also learning how to do the role. The course covers all the important things you need if you want to work in a school or build a career in education.”

Growing Confidence Every Day

Since joining the programme, Debbie has seen a noticeable boost in confidence and capability. Strong support from Little Gonerby staff has played a key role in *names* progress. Staff have offered guidance, opportunities to try new tasks, and dedicated time for training. Debbie says how, “their support and feedback have made a real difference to how I’ve grown- not just at work but personally as well.” Working with pupils individually and in small groups, supporting teachers, and taking on classroom responsibilities have all helped “me to be more patient and flexible, and I’ve got a better idea of how kids learn.” 

A Clear Pathway Into a Future Career

The apprenticeship has helped Debbie build a solid foundation for a career in education. She is now exploring progression routes such as becoming a higher‑ level teaching assistant or even training to become a teacher. Debbie‑ says “If you want to work with children, an apprenticeship is a cracking way to learn on the job, boost your confidence, and make a difference, all while getting a qualification.”

Find out more about Apprenticeships here: https://www.grantham.ac.uk/apprenticeships/

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