#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: Emily Malsom, Apprentice Teaching Assistant at Dene Magna School

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I had just finished A-Levels and wasn’t sure whether university was right for me at that moment, nor what career path I wanted to take. The apprenticeship was local to me and a new challenge. I’ve always liked maths and did a Maths A-Level, so it felt the right fit as the advert was for an apprentice Maths Teaching Assistant for KS3/4. I applied for the job online via the school’s website and completed the apprenticeship programme within a year.

Tell us about what your role as an apprentice involved?

I was assigned to a Year 7 tutor group so we all started new together which introduced me to the pastoral side of Dene Magna. I was assigned to classes based on SEN needs of the pupils, not necessarily mathematical ability which meant I supported students with a wide variety of needs. In lessons, I would work one-to-one, in small groups or supporting the whole class, depending on what the class teacher wanted from me. I would create resources for the maths department such as displays, number lines and multiplication grids. I ran a maths homework club with the other maths TAs and ran a film club during Friday lunchtimes. I also supported a couple of ICT lessons a week which meant I got to know other members of staff and students. I had fortnightly meetings with my mentor as well as being involved in department meetings each week.

What was your favourite thing about the apprenticeship?

My favourite part was getting a great mentor from the school who was really supportive and the maths department encouraging my interest in teaching by letting me do a lesson starter and eventually taking lessons.

Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship?

Yes, because it’s a good way to dip your toe into a career you may be interested in and, if you’re lucky, the employers really foster your interest and help you to grow professionally.

Apprenticeships provide a great pathway to progress and develop in your career

Janet Ray, Business Manager at Dene Magna School commented: “As a teaching school, we are keen to develop staff and had some vacancies for TA roles that we wished to fulfil. Our past experience had been very successful with such appointments that lead to career progression.

The benefits of taking on apprentices include new ideas, enthusiasm and an opportunity to develop and reflect on working practices through the programme as the learner grows into the role. 

Every year there are opportunities for the right candidate to develop into a role that leads to teaching within schools. For example, from an apprenticeship to cover supervisor and then possibly to a PGCE position, giving them the opportunity to gain experience within the setting, with actual classroom experience and skills before committing to a formal career in teaching.”

Apply to become an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

If Emily’s experience has inspired you to become an apprentice, we’d love to hear from you. Open to anyone aged 16 or above, apply for your chosen apprenticeship programme through our website and we can help you find a local employer who is looking to recruit new talent. If you are already employed, you can use the apprenticeship scheme to upskill and gain qualifications to boost your career. Explore our programmes and get in touch with our Business Hub team to get started.  

Recruit an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers. Our GC Business Hub team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business. Our apprenticeship programmes for schools have a range of start dates throughout the year, so get in touch with our Business Hub team to get the ball rolling.

Contact: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400.

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