Apprenticeships

I'm currently studying an apprenticeship at the Colchester Institute, studying a Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management Qualification. Once a month I go to the Henderson Business Centre in Norwich to have a study / lecture day and I have 20% off the job hours where I either do independent study or shadow the HR Advisors / Te

What made you want to do the Apprenticeship?

I wanted to study the apprenticeship to develop my knowledge across the many areas of Human Resources to enable myself to be able to provide informed HR guidance for the benefit of the Trust and its employees as well as continuing my professional development and career.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

The biggest thing I have learnt through the apprenticeship is the importance of working with your team - the people working around me have a wealth of knowledge and experience which continue to help my own understanding and develop me into a successful HR professional.

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

I feel The Trust has supported me by ensuring I have sufficient time to attend study days, work on assignments and get in my Off-the-Job training alongside my busy role. The team have continued to support my professional development so I am able to advance in my career within the Trust.

I studied a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in partnership with the learning provider Let Me Play (LMP), starting my course in one of the schools under the Inspiration Trust.

What made you want to do the Apprenticeship?

I wanted to facilitate my career progression in a way where I could learn and develop in education as well as gain hands-on experience in a job that I enjoyed.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

The thing I most value from my time as an apprentice was learning how to balance and prioritise the work load and communicate effectively with the other members of my team and beyond. It was a role that was forever changing and adapting, which meant I was constantly learning how to do different tasks.

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

I felt the school and the Trust were incredibly supportive of my apprenticeship, ensuring I had time to study even though we were one man down in the office, and remaining flexible when I changed roles from administration assistant in one of the schools into the central marketing team. Despite the difference in roles, the move was very smooth and the Trust facilitated the transfer of the apprenticeship into my new job.

I am currently studying a Level 3 IT Technician apprenticeship at Wayland Academy.

What made you want to do the Apprenticeship?

I already had an interest in computers and thought why not get a degree in something I enjoy while also having a job in the industry and progress in my career.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

I've learnt how to do many different things during my course but the largest would probably be how to format computers and enroling them into the system.

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

Yes, I would say I feel supported by the Trust; the team at the school is very helpful and welcoming.

I am currently completing the Teaching (Primary) Apprenticeship at Cobholm Primary Academy.

What made you want to do the Apprenticeship?

I have always wanted to get into teaching but I was really keen on the apprenticeship route as it provided training and salary. The apprenticeship has provided me with the opportunity to complete my teacher training in a way that suited me and my family.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

I have learnt so much since beginning my apprenticeship in September. The main thing that I have learnt is how much goes into training to become a teacher. I am glad that I have been able to use my inclusion experience at Cobholm Primary Academy within my apprenticeship as this has provided me with a really solid foundation in preparation for my modules on inclusion.

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

I feel completely supported by my school and by the trust. Danielle was amazing in helping me secure my place on the course as was Fran, our HR advisor. I really wouldn't have been able to do this without them. I know that if I have any queries about my course then the school are more than happy to help me.

I am currently studying Business Administration at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy.

What made you want to do the Apprenticeship?

I've always had an interest in the business side of things, and I had heard that the Inspiration Trust was a great company to work for. I am still fairly new as I only started in October, however I am really enjoying it so far

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

So far I have learnt better customer service skills, for example talking over the phone to other staff and parents, and also some basic administrative skills. I look forward to starting my course work soon!

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

I do feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice. I've been made to feel extremely welcome by my colleagues, and if there is something I'm not sure about someone is always there to help and assist me. My manager Hannah, checks up on me frequently and makes sure everything is going well.

I am studying with LMP education as an apprentice Teaching Assistant, but I am currently doing the work portion of my apprenticeship at The Thetford Academy.

What made you want to do the Apprenticeship?

I've chosen to do an apprenticeship as for my future having both a mixture of qualifications and experience in this role I believe both are essential.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

As a learner I think the main thing which I have learned is how the curriculum is built to incorporate children of not just the highest abilities but also catering it to those on the lower level who have the skills to access the grades they need in the future. As a person however, the self confidence to not only think this is a job I would be good at but to put those thoughts into action and prove my ability to help children struggling with SEND.

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

I am definitely supported by the trust as most teachers who I work with know my situation and lack of experience and are always willing to give guidance when needed. As a member of the SEND team here at Thetford, I have been shown nothing but respect and professionalism from my colleagues and if I have any problems or queries any one of them are more than happy to help.

I was studying to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and an apprenticeship in Secondary School Teaching, specialising in Art & Design at Thetford Academy. 

What made you want to do the apprenticeship?

To progress in my career by gaining teaching qualifications whilst still earning a full-time salary.

What is the biggest thing you have learnt by doing the apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship course gave me the time and resources to study the science of teaching and learning and then observe these theories in practice from expert teaching around the school which then led to further subject specific reading.  

Do you feel supported by the Trust as an apprentice?

Yes, the school leaders at Thetford Academy adjusted my timetable to suit the course requirements, 1 day a week off teaching to allow for studying, as well as facilitating my 6 week placement at a different school.

My subject expert mentor and Head of Department, Mr Kitson-Cook scheduled weekly meetings with me to track my progress and set regular manageable targets alongside observing me teach weekly to give informed feedback. From observing experienced teachers, engaging in professional discussions and being surrounded by a supportive department at Thetford Academy I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience an intense but successful alternative route to teaching.