An Introduction to apprenticeships
Training through the apprenticeship route is becoming an increasingly popular way for Norfolk schools and colleges to access professional development (PD) for the full range of staff who work in education, whether for support staff, teachers, leaders, school business managers or central trust teams.
Using Apprenticeships to Support Recruitment and Retention
The apprenticeship route can be used as a retention strategy to strengthen a school or trust's workforce through upskilling existing staff and can also be used to boost recruitment by increasing the field of applicants through offering 'on the job' training.
The PD can be fully funded through the apprenticeship levy meaning that schools only pay salary costs.
Check out the Case Studies on Social Media:
- The Free School - employer : LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram
- The Free School - apprentice : LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram
- Litcham Primary Phase - apprentice : Facebook / Instagram
What's Available?
More information about the full range of apprenticeships available specifically for the school workforce, can be found on the web areas signposted below, and the LA (local authority) and MAT (multi-academy trust) apprenticeships teams will be happy to help with any queries you have:
- If you are a local authority maintained school, find out more on the Apprenticeships in LA-maintained schools section on the Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers website, or you can email [email protected].
- If you are in a multi-academy trust, find out more on the Apprenticeships for Schools section on the Apprenticeships Norfolk website, or email [email protected].
Apprenticeship Providers
Regardless of whether you are an LA school or in a Trust, once you have selected the apprenticeship you wish to pursue, you will have a choice of apprenticeship provider.
In making your choice, you may wish to consider:
- the delivery model (e.g. online or face to face, how learning is organised across a week or month etc..)
- the particular 'lens' offered for the apprenticeship (e.g. for the TA Level 3 Apprenticeship, some providers offer a SEND, EAL or Sports lens)
- the 'added value' to some apprenticeships (e.g. whether additional qualifications are included or are an additional cost, such as the Masters on some level 7 apprenticeships or the Foundation Degree in the level 5 Specialist TA apprenticeship)
- whether the apprenticeship fits into a wider pathway with that provider (e.g. a SEND or TA pathway)
- if you are a school leader, you may wish to know whether the apprenticeship provider offers other services (e.g. LMP offer to create a school/trust branded brochure at no cost, some providers offer to recruit and screen apprentices for you etc...)
