Filling skills gaps in schools and academies with apprenticeships

Over the past few years, there has been a rise in the number of apprentices being recruited by schools and academies. 

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the region, with years of experience supporting workforce development across the education sector. 

The group, which is a dynamic partnership between Sunderland College, Hartlepool Sixth Form and Northumberland College, currently works with many of the region’s schools and academy trusts delivering apprenticeships and other training. 

The most popular apprenticeships are Teaching Assistant and Business Administration – two routes which are becoming increasingly sought after when they are recruiting new staff. 

Christine Murphy, Business Executive at EPNE, said: “We are finding that organisations in the education and childcare sector are increasingly turning to apprenticeships when they are looking to fill certain positions as they are a great way of discovering new talent and can also be very cost-effective.” 

The Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is ideal for new teaching assistants, learning support assistants, specialist support assistants and staff who support curriculum areas. They are designed for working in primary, SEND and secondary education across all age ranges, educational needs, and emotional vulnerabilities. Teaching Assistant apprentices can specialise in a particular area such as PE. 

Business Administrator apprentices develop highly transferable skills, knowledge and behaviours that can be applied across all sectors but are particularly valued in an educational setting. Many EPNE apprentices in schools and academies studying Business Administration work in both office and front of house roles. 

Gary Robinson, Operations Director at WISE Academies, who have employed several apprentices over the past five years through their partnership with EPNE, added: “As a successful multi-academy trust operating across the North East, WISE Academies has a well-established working relationship with Education Partnership North East through their apprenticeships programme. 

“They have liaised closely with us to recruit apprentices to a variety of roles in our academies to meet our requirements. The apprenticeship programme has provided many opportunities for young people to start a career in education.”

If you would like to know more about apprenticeships, email info@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk or call 0300 770 8000.