Our Commercial Director Lyndsey Sisson interviews Abby, one of our TA Apprentices who is currently studying the Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification. Curious about what is involved studying for an apprenticeship? Abby shares all…
Why did you consider a STL Apprenticeship?
After doing the same type of jobs for over 10 years, I finally decided it was time to make a change for myself and my family to do something I had always wanted to do. It was a big step as I was leaving a retail management job and starting something completely different on an apprenticeship wage with a young family. But it really has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
What was it about System People Education that attracted you to sign up with us?
I found System People through Facebook, I got in touch and the first person I met was my Tutor, Sarah. She was so lovely, supportive and yet realistic. After a chat with Sarah, I was told I could go away and think about it but I knew then and there that it was for me.
How do you find the classroom learning element of the apprenticeship?
The class room environment is a brilliant learning space. Meeting every two weeks with our Tutor and a group of people, all of different ages, doing the same course is great. Of course we do our assignments and Sarah teaches but it’s great seeing the other apprentices and catching up and speaking about our experiences. There are different spaces available in the learning area and a ‘chill out’ room to get yourself a hot drink and chat out of the class room.
How would you describe Sarah Taylor our Tutor?
Sarah is brilliant. She has a lot of people she oversees on the courses, we are all different and all work at different schools. She has so much knowledge and she puts it across so well that we can all come away learning something new. Sarah goes above and beyond, always just an email or phone call away no matter how busy she is, she will always make time for you. She’s really approachable and a great tutor!
What has been the favorite part of the apprenticeship for you so far?
Working with the children. I feel like a different person since I started this apprenticeship in September. Even though I’m learning a new job role, the stress i used to have is gone and my eyes have been opened for the better. This job, although not always easy, is the most rewarding thing I have ever done besides being a mum! Every day is different and every day you learn something new! Getting up every day and actually wanting to come to work is an amazing feeling and how many people can say that!
How have you found the setting you have been placed in?
I have said this a lot but I feel so lucky to have been placed in Inglewood Junior School. The staff are second to none and so supportive, I feel I am getting the best experience I possibly could have. The year four team that I am based in are fantastic and treat me like anyone else. My mentor is excellent, always checking in with me, sharing her masses of knowledge and we just generally have a laugh. I feel very fortunate.
What would you change about your apprenticeship experience if anything?
Probably the money!
Would you recommend training with system people education to friends and family?
I most certainly would.
Why do you want to work with children?
I think working with children is the most rewarding job going. Teaching them something they didn’t know before or watching their little faces light up when they finally understand something. It’s a great feeling! It’s so much more than just a teaching assistant!
Where do you see your long term career going?
I am next going on to Level 3 and hopefully a job.
Would you like to go onto further study in this area?
I would like to study more in this area, there is so much more to learn!
Is the apprenticeship what you thought it would be?
It’s better that I could have imagined. I think to myself I wish I had done it sooner but at the same time at 27 I’m having the best experience and feel much more mature for the roles I have to do.
What advice would you give people thinking of starting a childcare or STL apprenticeship?
Go for it and you won’t regret it, working and training in a school and getting that experience while getting paid for it…why not? I think getting the actual chance to work with the children and do the job is a million times better than sitting at a desk and learning it from a book.
How would you summarize your experience learning and working through system people education?
A rewarding incomparable experience.
Abby
If you would like to find out more about our Teaching Assistant apprenticeship opportunities then get in touch with our Tutor Sarah Taylor at sarah.taylor@system-people.co.uk or call our apprenticeship office on 01228 587993.
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