Teaching Assistant - Advanced Apprenticeship

Summary

If you're an employer in the education sector looking to develop an existing employee or recruit new talent or if you are individual who is passionate about education and changing lives in the classroom, this Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship could be the perfect starting point. Offering a combination of paid work and off-site training, this apprenticeship prepares individuals with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to successfully support learners of all ages and abilities, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Working alongside experienced teachers to deliver small group and one-to-one support, adapt learning materials, and promote positive learning behaviours, teaching assistants perform a vital role in the classroom.. As an employer, your teaching assistant apprentice will gain a deep understanding of safeguarding, inclusive education, and how to support learners with special educational needs, English as an additional language, or social and emotional challenges.

Whether they are working in a primary school, secondary school, or college, this programme equips them with the practical skills and professional knowledge to become a confident and effective member of your education team. For the individual apprentice, the apprenticeship is designed to open the door to further qualifications and career progression within the education sector.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
Anytime	Employer's Premises		Enquire now
Anytime	Employer's Premises		Enquire now
Anytime	Employer's Premises		Enquire now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This apprenticeship is a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in education, with opportunities across primary, secondary, special schools, and further education settings. On completion,apprentices will be qualified to work as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEND Support Worker, or Classroom Support Assistant.

For those looking to progress, this course can lead to advanced roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), Pastoral Support Worker, or Behaviour Mentor. It also provides a pathway into teacher training, including routes into Initial Teacher Education (ITE) or degree-level study in education or childhood studies.

Whether the employer or individual sees this as a long-term role or the first step toward becoming a qualified teacher, this apprenticeship opens doors to a wide range of rewarding opportunities in the education sector.

Next steps at B&FC

Having successfully completed the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, apprentices can progress to further qualifications at B&FC, including:

Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning – a stepping stone to a full honours degree and qualified teacher status.
Initial Teacher Education (ITE) – for those aiming to become a fully qualified teacher through university or school-based routes.

These progression routes support continued professional development and provide opportunities for individuals seeking more senior roles within the sector.

Employment Opportunities

Teaching Assistant
Learning Support Assistant
Classroom Assistant
SEND Support Assistant
Behaviour Support Assistant
Pastoral Support Worker
Inclusion Support Assistant
Literacy or Numeracy Support Assistant
EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support Assistant
Intervention Support Worker
Academic Mentor
Education Support Worker

Key information

Entry Requirements

For the apprentice:

Although specific entry requirements are set by individual employers, the following entry requirements will apply to all applicants.

Age: Must be at least 16 years old.

Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 or above, or be prepared to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths while undertaking the apprenticeship

Additional Requirements:

DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required, typically obtained through employment.

Employment: Applicants must be employed in a suitable educational setting that supports the apprenticeship requirements.

Commitment: Ability to commit to the full length of the programme and meet the programme modules through your job role.

Fees and funding

For the apprentice

The apprentice will receive a wage which will be agreed as part of their contract of employment but which must meet the statutory minimum rate set by the government, details of which can be found here. There are no fees charged to the apprentice in relation to the off-site training and other costs such as the DBS check will usually be paid for by the employer. However, should the apprentice fail to complete their apprenticeship, their contract of employment might state that the employer is entitled to recoup these costs. Apprentices should check their contract of employment to ensure they are aware of any financial responsibilities in this regard.

For the employer

The employer will need to cover the cost of off-site training either via the Apprenticeship Levy (if they contribute to this) or directly with B&FC. The government currently contribute at least 95% of the funding for non-levy employers and you may also be entitled to a further £1000 depending on the age and personal circumstances of the apprentice you hire. For full details, please visit Employing an apprentice: Get funding for apprenticeship training - GOV.UK or ask speak to a member of our Business Development Team by calling 01253 352352 or emailing business@blackpool.ac.uk

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this apprenticeship.

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions.

What will I learn?

This apprenticeship provides the practical skills and professional knowledge needed to support learners across all age groups and abilities in a classroom setting. Apprentices will learn how to work effectively under the guidance of a teacher, helping to deliver engaging lessons and create a positive learning environment.

Key areas of study include:

Supporting Learning – Learn how to assist with lesson delivery, adapt resources, and support individual or small group learning to help all students progress.
Child and Adolescent Development – Understand how children and young people grow, learn, and develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing – Gain essential knowledge of safeguarding legislation and how to promote a safe and supportive learning environment.
Inclusive Practice – Explore strategies for supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), and those facing social or emotional challenges.
Behaviour and Classroom Management – Learn how to encourage positive behaviour, manage classroom dynamics, and support learners in developing self-regulation skills.
Professional Relationships – Develop strong communication and teamwork skills to work effectively with teachers, parents, and other professionals.

Apprentices will have the opportunity to apply their learning in a real school or college setting, gaining valuable experience and confidence as they progress through the programme.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

To enrol on the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, apprentices must be employed in a suitable educational setting, such as a primary, secondary, or special school, or a further education institution. This ensures they gain the necessary hands-on experience and can apply their learning in real-world environments, supporting learners and contributing to classroom life from day one.

The programme is further enriched by guest speakers and events led by education professionals, including experienced teaching assistants, SEN specialists, and school leaders. These sessions offer valuable insights into current classroom practices, behaviour strategies, and inclusive education, giving apprentices the opportunity to engage with real-world perspectives and build professional connections within the sector.

How will I learn?

Off-site training for the apprenticeship is taught in hybrid teaching rooms, allowing apprentices to attend live sessions either in person or online. The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application.

Teaching methods include:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage participation and discussion.

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where apprentices can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.

This flexible approach ensures that apprentices can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of apprenticeship training within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I be assessed?

Apprentices will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure apprentices can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, apprentices will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test apprentices' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Apprentices will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.

End-Point Assessment (EPA) Methods:

Observation: Apprentices will be observed in their workplace by an independent assessor, demonstrating their practical skills and competencies in a real-world setting.
Professional Discussion: This is a structured discussion between the apprentice and the assessor, focusing on the apprentice's portfolio of evidence and their experiences during the apprenticeship.
Knowledge Test: A test to assess the apprentice's understanding of the theoretical knowledge required for the role.