Inspired - Alex Morris took a teaching apprenticeship to fulfil her dream of become a teacher . She is pictured with students Charlie and Aqsa .
PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
PRIMARY PREP
TOP TIPS FOR CREATING A CAREER IN PRIMARY EDUCATION
Entering a career in primary education or SEND ( special educational needs and disabilities ) is hugely rewarding – but how do you get in ?
1 . Early Experience ( Ages 14-16 ) At 14-16 , think about work experience placements . Many secondary schools offer these placements in primary or special schools . They ’ re a great opportunity to see how schools work and understand the different roles , including teaching , as part of the premises team or in the office .
2 . Courses ( Ages 16-18 ) At 16 , you have more choices about what to study . If interested in working in classrooms , consider A-Levels in English , psychology , health and social care or child development . Another option is a T-Level in Education and Childcare . T-Levels combine classroom learning with industry placements . For premises work , consider an NVQ in level 2 or 3 facilities management , building maintenance or a related area . For administrative roles , try an NVQ level 2 or 3 in business administration .
4 . Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Positions Apprenticeships – where you gain practical , paid experience while earning a qualification - are excellent for those who prefer to learn on the job . You can start as
teesvalleyeducation . co . uk an apprentice teaching assistant or be an office apprentice . You may also be able to do a property maintenance or facilities apprenticeship .
5 . Higher Professional Training ( Ages 18 +) After secondary education , you can move on to professional training . A common route is a Bachelor ’ s degree in Education .
Or you can do a degree in a subject you ’ re interested in and then complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education . These programmes often include Qualified Teacher Status ( QTS ) – essential for becoming a teacher in the UK .
If you prefer support roles , consider a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant ( HLTA ) qualification , which you can complete while working as a teaching assistant . Or you could pursue a career supporting young people and their families as a pastoral support worker or manager .
However , any qualifications that focus on understanding young people and being able to help them will support you in progressing through this career .
MY ROUTE INTO TEACHING
Alex Morris , from Middlesbrough
Although Alex has a degree in criminology , she also has a background of working with adults with learning needs and loves working with children .
She was inspired to train as a teacher while working as a level 3 teaching assistant at Discovery Special Academy in Middlesbrough .
She completed a year-long teaching apprenticeship in July 2024 .
She received lots of support during her apprenticeship – including from her academy mentor and colleagues . Her apprenticeship meant Alex could train while receiving a salary and within a setting she already knew and enjoyed .
Alex now works as ECT SEND ( special educational needs and disabilities ) teacher at Discovery , where she has a year 9 class .
Alex says : “ An inspirational teacher I worked with at Discovery sparked my interest in pursuing a teaching career , and the apprenticeship route became the perfect pathway to turning that dream into reality .”
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