The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is Skills for Life. This annual celebration is our opportunity to highlight the positive impact of our apprenticeships in education.
As we celebrate the 19th annual National Apprenticeship Week, ESF is proud to champion the “Skills for Life” theme. This week is our opportunity to showcase how apprenticeships transform schools, empower staff, and strengthen our local communities.
Our educational apprenticeships are an excellent pathway for young people looking to start a career in education and for schools to support staff who wish to progress and make an impact in their current roles.
- A credible career pathway for school leavers.
- Professional development pathway to upskill
Teaching Assistant Jessica Dale explains how apprenticeship training has helped her improve communication skills in the children she supports. It has inspired her to go on to gain QTS and become a SENCO.
Meet some of our learners and partner schools
Our apprenticeship case studies showcase the incredible achievements of our apprentices and the impact they have made in schools and community sports organisations.
Discover how the apprenticeship experience has supported our learners and transformed them into confident educational professionals – some of whom have gone on to become PE Leads, HLTAs or and even further study to become teachers.
Thank you to all ESF apprentices, partner schools and community sports organisations who have participated.
Hear from our learners
Sarah has four children and a very busy life – an apprenticeship opened the door to get into a career in education.
Having recently completed his Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Toby is currently undertaking his Level 4 Sports Coach apprenticeship at Whitehill Junior School.
Jess is currently studying on the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant course which has had a profound impact on her confidence and the pupils she supports.
Harrison highlights the importance of attracting more men to the teaching profession to bridge the representation gap in schools.
Sadie knew she wanted to go into teaching eventually. Through a friend she found out the PE apprenticeship vacancy.
Francis is a two-times national boxing champion. She recognised early on that she could combine her love of sport with her work as a teaching apprentice and one of the initiatives she has rolled out is an after-school boxing club.
Why some of our partner schools have embraced apprenticeships
Lorna identifies apprenticeship training as a key element of the school’s SEND strategy, ensuring staff possess the CPD and confidence required to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Apprenticeship training has had a transformative impact on staff confidence and their ability to deliver inclusive practice. Sim explains how the solutions-focus mentality of apprenticeships has empowered her team
Helen has been a committed advocate for apprenticeships, partnering with ESF Apprenticeships over several years, to develop staff talent.
Apprenticeship pathways in education
Whether you are a school leaver taking your first step or a member of the support team looking to build your confidence and refine your expertise, we provide clear, structured pathways that empower you to grow at every stage of your career.
A credible career pathway for school leavers
As an ESF apprentice, you’ll earn a salary from day one while building professional confidence alongside expert mentors. From specialist teaching support to future teacher training, we provide the structured pathway to turn your passion into a lifelong career.
Grow Your Career, Build Your Confidence
There are now even more opportunities for those working in a support role to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to feel confident and better equipped to enhance the learning and progression of pupils.