Teaching Assistant (Level 3 Standard)

Teaching Assistants are skilled professionals who play a vital role in supporting pupils’ learning and development across all age groups and abilities. They work closely with teachers to create positive, inclusive classroom environments where every child can thrive. Their responsibilities may include providing one-to-one or small group support, helping to prepare learning materials, assisting with classroom management, and contributing to the assessment of pupils’ progress. Teaching Assistants work in a range of educational settings, from early years through to secondary schools, helping to ensure that children are engaged, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work in primary, secondary, special schools, or colleges while attending college one day per week. They assist teachers in delivering lessons, supporting pupils one-on-one or in small groups, and helping to manage classroom behaviour and routines.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers child development, safeguarding, curriculum support, inclusive education, and communication strategies. Apprentices also learn how to promote self-belief, social inclusion, and wellbeing, while helping pupils stay on task and make progress.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in SEND support, literacy and numeracy intervention, or behavioural mentoring. Employers may offer additional training in speech and language, mental health awareness, or digital learning tools depending on school needs.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 18 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as teaching assistant, learning support assistant, or pastoral support worker, with progression into Higher Level Teaching Assistant status, teacher training, or education-focused degrees.

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here.

This apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer. 

Towards the end of the programme, apprentices complete an Apprenticeship Assessment/End Point Assessment (EPA), which typically includes:

• A practical skills test
• A professional discussion
• A knowledge assessment
• A review of workplace evidence

This ensures apprentices demonstrate the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the role.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 18 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk