Megan Armitage (Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 Classroom Assistant)
Article by Karen Elwood
I started on placement at Shooters Grove Primary School after leaving school and gaining a place at Sheaf Training to study the Certificate for the Children and Young People’s workforce. The School were keen to help me progress and wanted me to do a Classroom Assistant qualification. A representative from Sheaf Training spoke to the head about taking me on as an Apprentice; they explained the advantages for me and the school.
The best thing about being an apprentice in a school is that I gain more knowledge and skills as I am there all week and that I feel part of the staff team and not just a student.
I feel the school benefit from having me as an apprentice classroom assistant because they have been able to train me to meet their expectations of a classroom assistant, which I do my best to.
I feel I am being a good role model for the children as they know I am a student and see my willingness to learn and the children see this as a positive thing. I also feel that I can bring fresh ideas to the team.
I feel respected and valued by the staff, children and parents that I have the privilege to work with. This has improved my confidence and I now feel I will be able to work as a permanent member of staff once I have completed my apprenticeships.
This apprenticeship has made me aware that being a classroom assistant is the career I originally wanted to do.
The training at Sheaf Training has helped me to understand policies and procedures and all underpinning knowledge needed to be a classroom assistant. I have been fully supported throughout by my assessor and tutors and staff at the school.
Michelle gained full time employment at Shooters Grove School in January 2015.