Start a career in education

A career in education is a rewarding way to help shape the next generation. The education sector offers a variety of entry points, many through apprenticeships so it’s easy to find the path that’s right for you. Inspire ATA offer a range of apprenticeships in the education sector to support you and your journey. We’re here to break down the various programmes you can enter as you take your first steps in the world of education.

Early years careers

Early years education refers to supporting children between the ages of 0-5 years, ahead of them entering full time education in school. Early years education offers two main apprenticeships.

Early Years Practitioner (EYP) – Level 2

Early Years Practitioners (EYP) work predominantly in nurseries and other early years settings. In this apprenticeship you will have hands on experience working with young children aged 0-5 and support their early years development.

You will be interacting with the children, planning and delivering activities, working on finding purposeful play opportunities and support educational programmes.

After completing your level 2 certificate, you can move to a level 3 Early Years Educator programme.

Explore Early Year Practitioner opportunities.

Early Years Educator – Level 3

As an Early Years Educator, you will continue to work with children, however this level introduces more responsibilities including planning and leading activities, supervising, and most importantly allows you to be included in the staff:child ratio which childcare settings must adhere to.

Explore Early Years Educator opportunities.

Primary and secondary education careers

Primary and secondary schools are part of the compulsory education in the UK and sees children aged 5-16 attending schools or academies . Primary and secondary education has a variety of pathways and apprenticeship programmes available.

Teaching Assistant (TA) – Level 3

Teaching Assistants (TA) support teachers in classrooms enhancing pupils’ learning either in groups or individually, ensuring pupils understand the work set. TAs have a range of duties including keeping children safe, developing strategies for student support, supporting assessments problem solving and motivating students.

You can choose to complete a generalised TA apprenticeship, or you can select a specialised programme such as the Teaching Assistant (TA) SEND Pathway, which focuses on working with students who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or the Teaching Assistant (TA) Sports Pathway, which supports play and coaching as part of learning.

After completing a level 3 certificate you may choose to continue to a level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant apprenticeship (HLTA).

Explore Teaching Assistant opportunities. 

Higher Level Teaching Assistant apprenticeship (HLTA) – Level 4

While still performing some teaching assistant duties, Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) are able to take additional responsibilities in the classroom including covering classes, planning and teaching lessons, and managing other support staff.

Just like the TA programme, HLTAs may choose to undertake a specific SEND pathway which is ideal for those who would like to pursue a career in special needs education.

Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship – Level 5

Equivalent to a foundation degree, this brand new apprenticeship is designed for those passionate about supporting learners, and offers TAs (teaching assistants) and educational staff the opportunity to specialise in a specific field.  

Apprentices on the programme can choose to focus on either Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social and emotional wellbeing, or specific curriculum provisions like early reading or EAL (English as an Additional Language). TAs will work alongside qualified professionals, using research-based practices to plan, implement, and adapt learning activities that advance student progress. 

Inspire ATA offers a variety of apprenticeships to suit your career goals and aspirations. To learn more, visit our apprenticeships page or email info@inspire-ata.co.uk