Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 3

18 Months
Flexible Start Dates

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

The Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 is suited to those working in, or aspiring to work in, educational settings. It is suitable for primary, secondary, special, or further education institutions. Learners will support class teachers by delivering one-to-one or to small groups, helping manage learner behaviour, supporting curriculum access and fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The Benefits of a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship:

  • Improved pupil engagement and understanding.

  • Effective classroom management and support.

  • Consistent implementation of teaching strategies.

  • Strong collaboration across staff and pupils.

Young children sat on a classroom floor listening to a female on the Teaching assistant apprenticeship read a story
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What’s Covered By The Apprenticeship:

Key areas of learning include:

  • Educational context, safeguarding, child development and policy frameworks.

  • Supporting learning: adapting resources, assessment and feedback.

  • Behaviour management, inclusion, pastoral support and special education needs (SEN).

  • Relationships and communications with teachers, pupils and parents.

  • Professional practice, record-keeping and use of technology and data.

  • Identifying self-development opportunities with the support of colleagues

A final EPA includes:

  • A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

  • Observation with questions

These are assessed and graded by an independent assessor.

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Apprenticeship Outcomes:

As their experience develops, apprentices will be able to:

  • Offer confident support for learners to understand, stay on task and progress.

  • Skilled delivery of interventions, scaffolding and differentiated support.

  • Effective behaviour management aligned with school policies.

  • Strong collaboration and communication with staff, pupils and parents.

  • Professional, ethical, reflective practice and confidentiality.

  • Accurate record-keeping, documentation and use of educational technology.

  • Responsiveness to learner needs, inclusion and adapting strategies.

  • Contribution to pupil engagement, learning culture and school outcomes.

  • Use up-to-date technology safely to support learning

Funding & Employer Commitment:

Employers are required to protect 20% of an apprentice’s working time for off-the-job learning. This dedicated time allows the apprentice to strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours they need to become effective in their role. Find out more about off-the-job training here.

As an employer, you’ll also need to provide appropriate supervision, guidance and mentoring throughout the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. This allows the apprentice to apply their learning in the classroom or wider education setting, while working towards completing their portfolio to the required standard.

Organisations that pay the apprenticeship levy can use their levy funds to cover eligible training costs. Non-levy-paying employers may also qualify for government funding and incentives, including the 2026 measures offering full funding for eligible apprentices under 25 and up to £2,000 for employers recruiting apprentices aged 16–24.

For the latest information about apprenticeship funding, visit the Government website.

Talk To Our Team

OR CALL:

0800 0868199

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Arrange a free consultation with our team. We’ll discuss your organisation’s requirements, help you identify the most suitable apprenticeship and talk through potential funding options.

Begin when it works for your business. With flexible start dates available throughout the year, you can get your programme underway without having to wait for a new term.

A female helping some children with their work in the classroom during her Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Why Employers Choose Swarm Training

Swarm Training offers employer-focused apprenticeships that combine flexible delivery with teaching from tutors who bring practical industry expertise.

Our approach is designed to give apprentices a supportive learning experience alongside their employment. Remote training and manageable learner numbers allow us to provide individual attention, while programmes develop both role-specific knowledge and the wider professional skills needed in the workplace. Every apprentice also has access to CPD at no additional cost.

As a Community Interest Company, our work has a wider purpose. We reinvest in the communities we serve, helping employers develop capable people while contributing to positive social and economic outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Yes. A Teaching Assistant apprenticeship can be suitable across different education settings, including primary and secondary schools. It can provide a structured way to develop a member of support staff while giving the apprentice hands-on experience working with pupils and learning from experienced colleagues.

  • Potentially, yes. An existing employee may be able to undertake an apprenticeship where they meet the relevant eligibility requirements and the programme provides substantial new learning. This can be particularly useful when a member of staff is already carrying out support duties and is ready to develop their skills further.

  • Previous classroom experience isn't necessarily essential. Look for someone who is patient, reliable, approachable and able to communicate effectively with children, young people and colleagues. A willingness to learn, work as part of a team and respond positively to guidance can also be important.

    At Swarm Training we offer free apprenticeship recruitment when you work with us.

  • The apprentice will need appropriate supervision and opportunities to learn from experienced staff. Having a named colleague who can provide guidance, answer questions and give regular feedback can help the apprentice build confidence and develop their skills in the classroom.

  • Yes, where this is appropriate to their role, experience and the requirements of the education setting. Giving the apprentice opportunities to support pupils with learning, classroom activities and day-to-day tasks allows them to apply their training in a genuine working environment.

  • Yes. The experience gained can provide a strong foundation for a longer-term career in education. Depending on the individual's goals and the opportunities available, they may progress into more experienced teaching support roles or pursue further training and qualifications within the education sector.