TA apprenticeship: Learn More About Our New Level 3 course
We’re excited to announce a brand-new opportunity for schools and aspiring education professionals alike.
Starting this October, Swarm Training will be delivering a Level 3 TA apprenticeship, designed to help schools train high-quality Teaching Assistants (TAs). Before we talk about the apprenticeship further, we’d highly recommend registering for our August webinar to help you really get a feel for this if it’s something you or your school are considering:
“Considering an Apprenticeship?“
26th August 2025
12pm to 1pm
where we’ll be talking about what to expect from doing an apprenticeship, and will particularly look at the TA Apprenticeship in detail. In attendance will be our tutor for the Teaching assistant course who can answer any questions you may have.
The TA Apprenticeship is more than just a course; it’s a career-launching opportunity for aspiring TAs and a strategic solution for schools looking to strengthen their support staff.
In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the TA apprenticeship, how your school can benefit, what the government funding options look like, and why now is the perfect time to invest in teaching assistant development.
What Is the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship?
Our Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is a fully structured programme that blends on-the-job learning with expert-led training. The TA apprenticeship is perfect for individuals working as or aspiring to work as teaching assistants in schools. It’s a nationally recognised qualification that focuses on real classroom skills, educational theory, and supporting learners of all abilities.
This qualification is equivalent to A-level standard, and it’s widely recognised by schools across the UK. It provides a solid foundation for further career development, whether learners want to remain as TAs or explore progression routes like HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant), pastoral roles, or even teacher training. The TA apprenticeship is perfect for anyone already working within or wishing to be in one of these job roles:
Assistant teacher
Classroom assistant
Learning support assistant
Learning support worker
Specialist curriculum support
Support assistant
Teaching assistant
At Swarm Training, our TA apprenticeship training runs for 14-16 months, providing the apprentices the time and support they need to grow and develop into confident, capable educators. The course is aligned with the National Occupational Standards, ensuring it meets the high expectations of the education sector. (Please see full details of NOS standards here, on the government website.)
Apprentices will learn:
How to support children and young people in their educational and personal development
Techniques for behaviour management and safeguarding
Effective communication and collaboration with both teachers and parents
How to adapt learning materials for pupils with additional needs
Assessment strategies to monitor pupil progress
By the end of the course, apprentices will be fully prepared to take on a broad range of responsibilities within the classroom. And importantly, they’ll be well on their way to a fulfilling and successful career in education.
Why Should Schools Get Involved?
Staffing is one of the biggest challenges schools face today. With budgets under pressure and rising classroom demands, schools are constantly looking for ways to support teachers while maintaining their high standards of learning. That’s where this apprenticeship comes in.
Schools are at the heart of successful apprenticeships. The TA apprenticeship offers schools a unique way to shape the training of future TAs while upskilling current support staff.
Here’s why schools should consider hosting or enrolling a TA apprentice:
1. Improve Classroom Support Without Stretching Budgets
Government funding (more on that shortly!) means the cost to your school is minimal (if anything). Engaging a TA apprentice can dramatically reduce the financial burden of hiring and training new staff.
2. Build a Pipeline of Skilled, Loyal Staff
By training apprentices from within your local community, you’re more likely to retain talent. Apprentices are loyal. They are learning and growing within your school environment. Once they qualify, they already know your school’s culture, routines, and expectations. Additionally, apprentices bring fresh enthusiasm and updated skill sets to the classroom.
3. Boost the Skills of Existing TAs
Do you have a current TA without a Level 3 qualification? This course is perfect for them, too.
Often, schools have talented individuals already doing excellent work, but without formal recognition or training. Our TA apprenticeship provides a structured way to develop their skills and reward their commitment, while helping your school meet professional standards.
Upskilling existing staff shows investment in their development and boosts morale. It can also lead to better classroom outcomes, as staff apply new strategies and techniques learned during the course.
4. Minimal Disruption to School Life
Our training model is designed to work around school schedules and daily routines. Training is work-based, which means apprentices are learning on the job. Swarm Training provides flexible support, including online learning, tutor visits, and one-to-one mentoring. This makes it much easier for schools to incorporate the training into their normal school schedule.
How Does Apprenticeship Funding Work?
You are going to love this bit, because we know that school budgets are very tight and always strained. The exciting news is that a TA apprenticeship is largely funded by the government.
Here’s how it works:
If You Pay the Apprenticeship Levy:
If your school (or trust) has a payroll of £3 million or more per year, you’ll already be paying the Apprenticeship Levy. You may be part of a MAT or local authority, for example, that pays the Apprenticeship Levy. These funds can be used directly to pay for the apprenticeship training. The money funds 100% of the cost of the TA apprenticeship. You’ve already paid into the system, so why not get value out of it? This is a win-win situation.
If You Don’t Pay the Levy:
Most smaller schools don’t pay the Levy. But the good news is that you can still access up to 95% funding for your TA apprentice from the government. That means the total cost to the school is just 5% of the training cost.
Even better? In many cases, that 5% can be covered through levy transfers from larger organisations. We can help schools find a transfer partner, so you pay nothing at all. Just chat to us about it when you get in touch. (Contact links at the end of the blog post.)
And there's more good news. Schools that take on apprentices aged 16-18, or 19 to 24 years old with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, or 19 to 24 years old who have been in care, may also be eligible for a £1,000 incentive payment. This is a great way to ease onboarding costs or invest back into classroom resources.
Learn all about the government apprenticeship funding scheme via this link.
What’s Included in the TA Apprenticeship?
Our Level 3 TA apprenticeship is a well-rounded programme that includes:
Expert Tutor Support: Apprentices learn from professionals with real classroom experience.
Blended Delivery: A combination of online learning, remote support, and in-person check-ins.
Functional Skills (if needed): If your apprentice hasn’t yet achieved Level 2 English and Maths, we’ll support them through it.
Portfolio Building: Learners build an evidence-based portfolio aligned to real work tasks.
End-Point Assessment: Once ready, apprentices will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a practical observation and professional discussion.
What Does the Apprenticeship Look Like in Practice?
Here’s a brief outline of how the TA apprenticeship unfolds:
Induction: Apprentices start with a full introduction to the course, safeguarding protocols, and expectations.
Monthly Learning Modules: Covering topics such as child development, inclusion, and literacy/numeracy strategies.
Ongoing Assessments: Including practical observations, written tasks, and reflective journals.
End-Point Assessment (EPA): The final stage where learners demonstrate their skills in a practical setting and complete a professional discussion.
For a more detailed list of the training and support offered during a TA apprenticeship, please visit our website here.
Alongside the academic content, apprentices build confidence, resilience, and strong professional values. By the end, they’ll be fully prepared for a lasting and rewarding role in education.
Why Should You Choose Swarm Training?
There are plenty of apprenticeship training providers out there, but we strongly believe Swarm Training is different. We understand schools. Why? Because our team has years of experience working with education providers across the UK. Additionally, we’ve built this TA apprenticeship programme with flexibility and practicality in mind.
This is what you can expect from us:
Education Specialists: Our tutors have real classroom experience and understand the unique challenges of working in schools.
Personalised Support: Every candidate on the TA apprenticeship course receives tailored one-to-one coaching. Tailored support outweighs the need to tick boxes.
High Completion Rates: Our learners succeed. We have a high retention rate and an achievement level of over 70%. Ofsted rates us as a Good Provider because we always put quality and support first.
Flexible Delivery: We work around your school’s schedule. Online resources, tutor visits, and phone check-ins mean apprentices always feel encouraged.
Personalised support: We work closely with our schools to ensure apprenticeships align with their needs, values, and goals.
Ongoing communication: You’ll always know how your apprentice is progressing.
Reduced paperwork headaches: We support you with the admin, paperwork, and funding claims so you can focus on education.
Our mission is to create meaningful apprenticeships that benefit everyone involved: the schools, learners, and, most importantly, the pupils the apprentices support.
The Real Impact in the Classroom
We are certain we do not need to tell you this, but Teaching Assistants play a crucial role in classrooms every day. From helping with reading groups to supporting children with special educational needs. Their work enables not just every student, but every teacher they assist, to thrive.
By investing in a TA apprenticeship, your school is investing in its long-term success. You're developing staff who understand your pupils, your ethos, and your goals.
We like to think of it as planting a seed. With the right training and support, today’s apprentice could become tomorrow’s lead TA or even a future teacher in your school. It’s a long-term solution that builds your own talent pipeline, aligned to your school’s ethos and vision.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
Our TA apprenticeship programme starts this October. Whether you’re looking to train an existing TA or bring in someone new, we’d love to work with your school.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and highly recommend registering for our upcoming webinar where our TA tutor will be present to support you:
“Considering an Apprenticeship?“
26th August 2025
12pm to 1pm
where we’ll be talking about what to expect from doing an apprenticeship, and will particularly look at the TA Apprenticeship in detail. In attendance will be our tutor for the Teaching assistant course who can answer any questions you may have.
This isn’t just a course, it’s a partnership. Let’s build a better future for your school and pupils, together.