March 2022

Apprenticeships and teacher training: my experience of being an apprentice teacher with BASCITT

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As with many things in life, there is never a right time to do the things you really want to do.  Training to be a teacher was mine!  I had always wanted to be a teacher, but I had children and a full-time job along with lots of responsibilities.

In 2020, I finally took the plunge.  After lots of heart-warming and reassuring discussions with my deputy head at the time, she convinced me that the apprenticeship route was the best option for me.

Overall, the structure was the same, I trained in Basingstoke once a week and then was in school for the remaining 4 days.  I did not get a bursary like the others, but I was paid instead.  I trained at the school I currently worked in as an LSA and remain there today, just now as an English teacher.

I loved every minute of the training year.  There were highs and lows, but the highs far outweighed the hard times.  It was a tough year, my brain had to work harder than it had in a long time, but it was worth it.

Our course director was phenomenal and trained us with the most relevant and up to date theory and pedagogy.  Ironically, my school now offer CPD sessions which mirror exactly what I was taught during training.

The emotional support we received from those involved in the course was fantastic, they were always there to help and reassure us when we had those ‘I can’t do this!’ moments!

Now, almost 6 months in as a qualified teacher, I have never looked back.

Laura Philp – English Apprentice Trainee Teacher 2020-21