How did you come to study with Tes Institute?
I worked in dementia care for 11 years. After having a knee operation, I needed to find a role that was less physically demanding and more suited to regular hours. I came to study with Tes after deciding to change my career.
While working night shifts, I was also working as a Midday Supervisor in a school. This made me realise how much I enjoyed being in an educational environment and supporting children. My headteacher encouraged me to apply and said I would be the perfect candidate for the role, which gave me the confidence to take the next step.
Why did you choose Tes Institute?
I chose Tes over other providers because of how supportive and approachable they were from the very first enquiry. Their communication was clear, and they were always quick to respond to any questions or worries I had. This made me feel confident that I would not be left on my own during the course. They offered flexible support, including calls if and when needed.
Compared to others, Tes felt more personal and encouraging, and that made it the right choice for me.
Why did you choose this course?
I chose to undertake my Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship because I have a strong passion for supporting children's learning and development. Working in education really appealed to me because I enjoy helping others reach their full potential and making a positive difference in their lives. This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in a real classroom setting while also developing my theoretical knowledge and understanding of how children learn.
I was particularly interested in learning how to adapt my support to meet the needs of different children, including those with special needs, and how to create an inclusive, engaging learning environment. Taking this apprenticeship route allowed me to learn while working, which meant I could immediately apply what I was learning in my training to real life situations, helping me to grow into a confident and effective Teaching Assistant.
Ultimately, I chose this apprenticeship because it aligns with my long-term goal of building a career in education. It provided the perfect balance of practical experience and professional development, helping me to become a skilled member of a school community.
How has this course supported you to achieve your goal?
This course has supported me in achieving my goal of becoming a Level 3 Teaching Assistant by developing my understanding of how children learn and how to support them effectively in the classroom. It has given me practical strategies for supporting literacy and numeracy, managing behaviour positively and adapting activities to meet the different learning needs. Throughout the assignments and practical tasks, I became more confident in working independently with small groups and understanding the teachers' planning and assessment process.
Overall, the course has strengthened my knowledge, skills and confidence, which brought me closer to meeting the expectations and responsibilities of a Level 3 Teaching Assistant.
How did you find the application process?
I found the application process clear and well structured. The communication was strong throughout and always positive. I was kept informed at each stage and any instructions were easy to follow.
The regular communication made me feel supported and confident about what I was to expect during the course. The communication with my school was also quick and efficient. This all made the whole process smooth and encouraging.
What support did you receive during the course and how did this help you progress?
The support I received throughout this course was of a very high standard. The pathway tutors were approachable, understanding and always willing to help. This made a big difference, and I did not ever feel alone – in fact, it gave me the ability to continue and succeed. Absolutely amazing.
Communication was amazing. They were always quick at responding to questions or concerns which also made me feel very supported. Team meetings would be arranged for extra guidance and reassurance if I felt I was struggling with anything. All this support helped me to stay motivated and confident in working towards my goal of becoming a professional in education.
What would you tell another person who is thinking of applying for this course?
Go for it. You will not be disappointed!
I would recommend Tes for anyone wanting a career in education. My experience has been really positive, and two other staff members have also enrolled on this course.
The Tes team has been outstanding throughout my apprenticeship journey from start to finish. You have built my confidence and helped me grow as a person in so many ways to become a confident Level 3 Teaching Assistant.
I will be forever grateful for the time, support, discussions and effort that the Tes Institute team provided me throughout this course. Honestly, I want to say a massive thank you. I am now working in a role I absolutely love every day. Helping little minds grow is the best job.
