FAQs

To join the course, learners only need the support of their employer and to currently be working as a Teaching Assistant or in a similar role.

To complete the end point assessment, please click on these links to look at the specific entry requirements for reach apprenticeship.

The registration process is managed and administered by the Waterton team. We can assist you with sourcing the required documentation and will manage the funding on your behalf. There is no administrative burden for the Headteacher or Teaching Assistant.

To register your interest, please email apprenticeships@watertonacademytrust.org and provide details of which apprenticeship you are interested in. One of our team will get back to you.

Yes, discuss it with your Headteacher and if they agree to support you in this, you can become an apprentice where you now work.

You can apply at any time of the year. New cohorts will begin training at various points throughout the year, and we will work with you and your employer to determine the best-fit cohort to join.

Off-the-job training refers to training undertaken during the course of the working week, focused on learning and applying new skills in the workplace. This includes attendance at regular training sessions with the Waterton delivery team, but will also include completing tasks in school, shadowing colleagues, and other in-school training. Each apprentice will take a minimum of 20% of their working week as off-the-job time. This time will support the learner to complete course requirements and to gain the new skills and knowledge required. Headteachers and mentors will work with learners to determine a plan which will ensure that time is given to learners whilst also ensuring benefit to the school from this learning.

We offer a range of models for delivery and this will depend on a range of elements including the apprenticeship programme and the size of cohort. We deliver face to face training within West and South Yorkshire, online training and hybrid training. More details will be given to you at the sign up stage of the process.

For employers who pay into the apprenticeship levy, this course is fully funded (approx. £7,000 per apprentice); therefore, there is no direct cost to the school or individual Teaching Assistant. For employers who do not pay into the levy, funding is available—please get in touch to discuss this.

Our programmes range between 18 and 24 months, dependent on the apprenticeship. For an apprentice working less than 27.5 hours per week, the course may be extended to account for this. This will be looked at on an individual basis. The programme duration ensures that minimum requirements are exceeded and that learners have a well-balanced approach to training, with adequate time for learning to become embedded into practice.