What to Know About Teaching Degree Apprenticeships

We're all familiar with the apprenticeship concept. One enters into a learning partnership with an established enterprise and receives a bit of cash while mastering the trade. In many ways, teaching apprentices are no different than any other such position, only that they have more choices, including a path to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This article lays out these pathways into education and who they're tailored to, what the eligibility criteria are, and money matters - compensation and programme funding.

What Are Teaching Apprenticeships?

Like any other apprenticeship, teaching apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes. Unlike apprenticeships in the trades - plumbing, construction, etc. - these are in education. And, like the more familiar arrangements, the apprentice teacher earns while they learn. However, differences exist between various apprentice teacher programmes.

From this table, you might conclude that apprenticeships are not a one-size-fits-all concept. In fact, the phrase 'teaching apprenticeship' represents two different prospects.

The programmes available to you depend on the training providers and schools' location and needs, as well as the age groups/Key Stages that accommodate apprentices. Your personal factors matter too: your education level as much as your career goals and abilities count.

Apprentice Teacher Pay and Programme Funding

For these initiatives, we needn't wonder how teacher training is funded. Schools that pay into England's Growth and Skills Levy will cover programme costs from those funds. Schools that don't contribute to that levy receive 95% of their programme costs from the UK government¹. The school covers the last 5%.

Apprentices draw a salary from the school's budget, just like teachers and staff do. Apprentice compensation should be at least the national minimum wage for that worker class, which is currently £8/hour. Schools have the latitude to pay a bit more, but not every school does. You should count on the minimum wage amount as the going wage.

Apprenticeship in Teaching: The Main Types

The three types of programmes in the previous chapter are, in fact, the main types of teaching apprenticeships. But one can't stake their future on just that bit of information; here, you'll learn all their particulars.

Teacher Degree Apprenticeships

These programmes are arguably the most practical route into teaching for candidates without a university degree². Apprentices work and earn as they study for their university degree. By the programme's successful completion, these future teachers will have both a degree and QTS status.

These initiatives are designed to make access to teaching positions more streamlined and less costly, both in time and finance. Among this programme's highlights, hand-on experience in school ranks high, as does building one's professional network years ahead. And these programmes save you in other ways, too.

Programme availability varies by school/region and by training provider. Other considerations include the subject(s) you prefer to teach, the age or Key Stage range you're most comfortable with, and whether you have relevant GCSEs and Level 3 qualifications.

Candidates should apply for this programme through the UCAS website, as well as on the Find Teacher Training platform. Both pages offer a wealth of information to help you decide if this programme is right for you.

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships

If the first training option is the most practical, these programmes are the most beneficial. They're targeted at graduate degree holders, those who've just received theirs as well as school staff with degrees wishing to move into teaching. In fact, any graduate degree holder wishing to get into teaching may take advantage of these initiatives.

Among its top benefits is being paid to become a teacher, over the traditional, unpaid pathway towards QTS. Best of all, programme participants don't pay a penny for this education, unlike programmes that charge fees.

Note that if you prefer a programme that yields a PGCE - a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, you must ensure that the track you select offers it. If the information available doesn't make that clear, be sure to ask your programme adviser.

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships

Who knows how many people want a child-focused career but wish to avoid the administrative burdens of teaching? If that's you, you're the ideal candidate for this type of apprenticeship. It does not lead to a QTS; however, successful completion leads to a national qualification and more money in your pocket.

Pupil support is the key duty for people in this role. Other duties include helping prepare classroom resources, assisting teachers during sessions, helping oversee learning activities, and other tasks, as needed. Accessing these programmes is easier than those that lead to a teacher degree.

As you consider these opportunities, remember that each provider offers slightly different plans and incentives to sign with them. As you consider your options, be sure to check each programme carefully so you can choose the best one for your needs and goals.

The Day-to-Day Work of Teaching Apprenticeships

Let's say you've met all these programmes' eligibility requirements. You're legally allowed to work in the UK, you've completed your background checks, and you have the proper education level. So that's you hired, and you're left wondering what your workday will be like.

As an employee, you're expected to follow directions and uphold the mission the school represents. As a trainee, you're expected to learn from more experienced colleagues and undertake self-study. In no case are you expected to lead classroom learning on your own; at the very least, you'll have mentor support.

Besides, taking your place in front of the class is at least a few months into your future. You must first find a way to balance the stress of a university course load with learning the ins and outs of teaching. You'll rely on your mentor to find that balance, too. Don't be afraid to talk about your stress levels or ask for a bit of a break.

Generally, you'll spend four days at school and one day engaged in university study. From your first day on the job, you'll assist in the classroom: planning lessons, helping manage behaviour, and generally supporting the teacher. Over time, you'll take on more teaching responsibilities, but only when you and your mentor feel you're ready⁴.

The Pros and Cons of Teaching Apprenticeships

You've just gone through loads of information, which is good. However, it's all mixed up: the good with the perhaps not so good, and the cautions with the exuberance. Here, we put things side-by-side, so you can separate these programmes' highs from their lows.

Despite the challenges, these apprenticeship programmes are arguably one of the most efficient ways to get into teaching. They're also a great way to start earning, years ahead of your full-time student peers.

How to Know an Apprentice Teacher Position is Right for You

In today's job market - and with today's cost of living, it's tempting to jump on the first opportunity, regardless of whether it suits your needs or goals. That's not necessarily a good move.

Success in this "low-hiring, slow-growth environment" requires aggressive networking ...

Advice from a job recruiting website

Like SCITT teacher training programmes, these teaching apprenticeships are loaded with promise. Still, signing on deserves careful thought. You should ponder these aspects, features, responsibilities, and trade-offs.

At all times, your work must reflect the highest professional standards; that's a tall ask for someone barely out of school. At the same time, your university work must pass muster, earning the marks that will see your work position secure. All that is a lot to put on your shoulders; perhaps these simple questions can help you decide.