Please note that all courses are subject to a minimum application number in order to run
About Finding an Employer
You MUST have an employer before you can start an apprenticeship. You can search for an apprenticeship job here.
If you don't yet have an employer you can still apply for an apprenticeship while you continue to look. We can offer you advice on how to successfully secure an apprenticeship with an employer.
Duration
18 months – 1 day a week at College and 4 days a week at work
Overview
This apprenticeship will help you understand the education sector and the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to be an effective classroom assistant. It will also help you to progress further in teaching. Whenever possible term dates are in line with those of the Essex schools. We understand that many of our students have family commitments. Mature students are valued for their life experiences, and an increasing number are entering higher education each year. Many are now pursuing new careers and seeing changes in their lives that they never thought possible.
Am I ready to start?
Level 2 English and Level 2 Maths (or working towards). We will consider exceptions to this requirement, subject to any other qualifications or evidence of the required competencies.
For either level you need to be working in a school as the course is based on your work supporting an individual or a group of pupils in a school setting and/or supporting the teacher in a classroom. You will have to undergo a compulsory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check your suitability for working with children and young people.
What does the course involve?
Level 3 Units:
- Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults
- Schools as organisations
- Support learning activities
- Promote children and young people's positive behaviour
- Develop professional relationships with children, young people and adults
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people
- Support assessment for learning
- Engage in personal development in health, social care or children's and young people's settings
- Support children and young people's health and safety
- Understand child and young person development
- Understand how to safeguard the wellbeing of children and young people
In addition there are some optional units that are agreed to meet specific requirements for the qualification.
How and when will I study?
The Level 3 course is for 18 months for one day release a week.
Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?
You could work as a teaching assistant in nursery, infant or junior schools, special schools, secondary schools or independent schools.
With experience, you may be able to progress to senior assistant or be assessed for Higher Level Teaching Assistant status. You could also go on to train as a teacher with the right entry requirements.
Salaries for full-time teaching assistants are between £13,000 and £18,000 a year.
Salaries for full-time higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) can start from £16,000 to £21,000 a year. Senior HLTAs can earn from £21,000 to £25,000.
Got a job?
You must have a job to do an apprenticeship. If you already have a job you may be able to do an apprenticeship with your current employer.
If you don’t have a job for your apprenticeship – apply for your place at College by clicking the 'Apply Now' button at the top and bottom of the page.
Once you have applied please check out our apprenticeship job vacancies.
An apprenticeship comprises two parts:
- Typically 20% study element (at Harlow College or Stansted Airport College).
- 80% work based element with an employer. It is your responsibility to find an employer.
Great, so what do I do now?
Call 01279 868240 to speak to an Apprenticeships adviser
Contact us about applying for an Apprenticeship