Your Path to a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship in Kent

Pursuing a career as a teaching assistant could be the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification. Many schools are welcoming candidates to undertake an apprenticeship here in Kent – joining the team at a primary or secondary school and contributing value to everyday life at the school.  

Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting students across Primary, Secondary, and SEN settings, working with all age groups and addressing a range of special educational and emotional needs. Their primary responsibility is to assist the class teacher in enhancing pupils’ learning, whether in groups or one-on-one. They foster self-belief, social inclusion, and high self-esteem — all of which contribute to pupils’ overall well-being.

Why Choose a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship in Kent?

Based in Kent, Venture Training & Education offer apprentices the benefit of having a training provider within close proximity. Our tutors and assessors regularly visit apprentices in their place of work due to the locality of being in Kent. Off the job training is easy to access and apprentices experience training in different school environments, through the many established relationships we have through Venture Training & Education and Venture Camps. 

Our apprenticeships are local to Kent and the surrounding counties, allowing aspiring teaching assistants not only receive the relevant training and course material to meet the required teaching and learning standards, but they also gain invaluable hands-on experience. Working directly within a school setting allows apprentices to apply their knowledge in real-life situations, which is often the most effective way to learn.

Apprentices become immersed in the school’s culture and day-to-day operations by attending meetings and becoming an integral part of the staff team. This practical experience significantly increases the chances of securing a permanent position after completing the apprenticeship — whether in the same school or another nearby. 

We are continuing to develop relationships with schools and Academies here in Kent to provide apprenticeship training to suit their needs and the needs of their schools. If you are interested in taking on apprentice and would like their training to be tailored to meet gaps in your support staff, do get in touch.

How Long Does a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship in Kent Take?

The typical duration of a teaching assistant apprenticeship is 18 months. During this time, the majority of learning takes place within the school, with apprentices evidencing their practice day to day. 20% of the training is delivered off-site or through self-study, provided by a trusted training provider like Venture Training & Education.

At the end of the apprenticeship, learners complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), an independent evaluation designed to ensure they are fully competent in their role.

What Will You Learn as a Teaching Assistant Apprentice?

As a teaching assistant apprentice with Venture Education, you will undertake a comprehensive programme of study designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to excel in your role. Key learning units include:

• Learning and Support for Children within the Classroom
• Assessment for Learning
• Understanding the Curriculum
• Child Development
• Understanding Policies and Procedures
• Teaching and Behaviour Management Strategies
• Supporting SEN in the Classroom

Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices earn a Level 3 Certificate in Teaching and Learning, a valuable qualification that enhances career prospects across the education sector.

A Unique Focus on Physical Education and Sports

One of the standout features of Venture Education’s apprenticeship programme in Kent is the additional training in Physical Education and Sports Coaching. Schools value teaching assistants who actively contribute to extracurricular activities and school sports, and our apprentices gain nationally recognised Level 2 and 3 certifications from 1st4Sport Qualifications.

This specialised training includes:

• Supporting children in school PE and understanding the role of sport in the wider community
• Coaching practices and how to plan, deliver, and evaluate PE lessons
• Teaching specific sports like Rugby, Basketball, Racket Sports, and Gymnastics

This extra layer of training provides not only added value for the school but also opens up broader career opportunities for the apprentice, such as progressing into specialised sports coaching or PE teaching roles.

Career Progression After Your Apprenticeship in Kent

Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, many teaching assistants continue to work in education, with opportunities to take on senior roles or pursue further training to become qualified teachers. Others explore alternative pathways within the education sector, such as pastoral support or personal tutoring.

Whether you’re looking to start your career in education or explore a unique blend of teaching and sports coaching, an apprenticeship in Kent is the ideal first step. With hands-on experience, a recognised qualification, and a supportive learning environment, you’ll be well-equipped to make a lasting impact in your future career.

More Information

If you’re interested in hiring a Teaching Assistant Apprentice or providing your staff with additional training in Physical Education and Sport, please do not hesitate to get in touch by filling out the form on our homepage or by emailing Elizabeth@ventureeducation.co.uk.

If you are an employer looking to take on an apprentice (levy paying or non-levy employer) get in touch direct by completing our online form or emailing our Employer Relations Manager – elizabeth@ventureeducation.co.uk

We are looking to partner with more Schools, Multi-Academy Trusts and Local Authorities, as well as limited companies working within sport and education – to help provide the highest standard of apprenticeship training.

Details of our current apprenticeships and qualifications can be found here.