Meet Joanne
Level 3 Teaching Assistant – SEND Focus

Joanne completed her Level 3 Apprenticeship at Lonsdale School – a specialist school for physical  and neurological impaired children aged 3-18. Joanne was running a successful business prior to starting her apprenticeship, and had no previous experience of working with children with severe physical disabilities and although it was a big change for her, she’s really happy she decided to go ahead with the role and doesn’t regret her decision in the slightest.

What do you feel you’ve gained from working as an apprentice?

The programme provided me with knowledge of schooling and policies, with a focus on individual development and how to create achievable targets for pupils. I’ve now got a good level of knowledge and a clear understanding of how to apply things in a school setting, for example safeguarding and other policies. The training around school resources really helped me to apply the theoretical knowledge I was learning in my new work setting. I’m much more confident in my abilities and have recently been entrusted with additional responsibility, moving up a grade since completing the programme. 

How would you describe your apprenticeship journey?

At the start, I was scared to communicate my opinions and contributions but I now feel much more comfortable taking the lead and working as part of a team. The apprenticeship programme has given me the drive to continue learning; I’ve since gone on to take my GCSE qualification in Maths and I’m currently considering a further degree in teaching.

What aspect of the apprenticeship has been the hardest?

I was really nervous for my professional discussion during my end-point-assessment but in the end it went really smoothly, and I found it easy to talk about the skills I’d learnt.

What is the biggest takeaway now you’ve completed the apprenticeship?

The confidence that the programme has given me in my own abilities. 

Would you recommend ESF Apprenticeships?

Yes – my key advice for anybody considering an apprenticeship is to listen to others and take as much knowledge from the people around you as possible. I had a great team around me, and the support from my tutor through to the class teachers was extremely helpful. Be willing to ask questions from the get-go and be open about what you need to learn –  this is one of the main reasons I learnt so much.  

To find out more about this apprenticeship, email: vacancies@esfapprenticeships.co.uk.