Lots of influential people were inspired by great teachers. Whether you love the idea of working in a primary school, want to give people careers advice, or are driven to help children with additional needs, teaching is a rewarding career.
What is an education and childcare apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in education or childcare is a work-based route into teaching or a similar field working with young people. You will be able to gain the qualifications needed to work in education while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
It’s not just teaching you can get into with an apprenticeship; there are a variety of roles like academic research at a university, careers advice, or working with children with special educational needs.
Career opportunities from an education and childcare apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in education and childcare can lead to a range of careers, including a:
• primary school or secondary school teacher
• teaching assistant
• early years practitioner
• academic research professional or lecturer
• careers adviser
• special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
Reena completed a teaching apprenticeship.
£39,859*
The average salary for a teacher or lecturer in the UK
*Correct as of February 2022
600,000**
The number of teachers in the UK.
**Department for Education, correct as of February 2022
95%†
% of newly qualified teachers employed within six months of qualifying.
†National College for Teaching & Leadership
I teach business, travel and events as that’s where my experience lies. Before this apprenticeship, I thought that was too niche and didn’t really consider teaching these subjects as an option. I enjoy the freedom I get to be creative.
We work with young people at the cutting edge of new and innovative ideas. That’s why I felt it was important to get industry experience. It’s difficult to teach what you’ve learned from books – you need to experience the practical side too.
Pros
- You’ll get to inspire the next generation
- There are opportunities to travel the world
- You can specialise in lots of different areas
Considerations
- You may have to work long hours
- You need lots of energy and motivation
- You may have challenging pupils
Who would suit an education and teaching apprenticeship?
You might be interested in an education, childcare, and teaching apprenticeship if you:
- are passionate about working with young people
- think you could inspire the next generation
- like the idea of helping people discover their futures
You might be a good fit for an education apprenticeship if you are:
- a good communicator
- a good collaborator
- adaptable to situations around you
- caring and a good listener
- good with young people
- eager to learn
Take the career quiz
Not sure if an education and childcare apprenticeship is for you? Take our career quiz to find out your options.
FAQs about education and childcare apprenticeships
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How do teaching, education, and childcare apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do. For example, becoming a teacher requires a degree apprenticeship, whereas a teaching assistant may be an advanced apprenticeship.
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How long is an education and childcare apprenticeship?
The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years. Becoming a qualified teacher requires a degree apprenticeship.
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What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A Levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role.
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What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?
The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour.
Industry top tips
Watch our top tips on how to get into teaching and lecturing.
It’s no secret, teaching can be hard work and isn’t for the faint-hearted. However, it does offer a secure and rewarding career and I can personally say that having worked in further education for 30 years, I’ve not experienced a single day of being bored.
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