Professional Development Pathways

The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship is designed for graduates of any subject who are already employed in a school and it is a school-based teacher training route for graduates employed in schools across England.

This salaried pathway lets you learn in the classroom from day one, while your training costs are fully covered by your school’s Apprenticeship Levy.

Successful completion of this programme will award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Qualification, which will qualify you to teach in all schools in England.

This programme is designed for teaching assistants and support staff who want to develop specialist expertise in speech, language and communication, and play a more impactful role in supporting pupils’ learning, participation and outcomes.

It is particularly suited to those working with pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), or pupils who struggle to understand, express themselves or engage in learning, and who want practical, evidence-informed strategies they can apply immediately in the classroom.

For schools and trusts, this programme strengthens in-house expertise in one of the most common and often unmet areas of need. By developing staff who can spot SLCN early, adapt classroom practice and work effectively with colleagues and external professionals, schools can improve access to the curriculum, support inclusion and drive better outcomes for pupils across the setting.

This Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Programme is the natural progression route for teaching assistants who look to further their career in education. You can work in primary, secondary, special schools, alternative provision, further education institutions such as sixth forms and colleges, and a range of other education settings such as music hubs. 

This 18-month work-based training programmes allows you to learn as you earn earning a wage while working towards a nationally recognised Level 5 certificate. This programme offers you the opportunity to specialise in a particular field of study such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social and emotional wellbeing, or specific curriculum provisions like early reading or EAL (English as an Additional Language). 

This programme is for staff who support pupils facing barriers to attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion. It is designed for those working with pupils and families to identify needs early, strengthen engagement and coordinate effective support before issues escalate.

The programme builds specialist knowledge and practical skill in early intervention, family engagement, safeguarding and multi-agency working. Learners develop the confidence to assess needs, work effectively with external services and put evidence-informed support in place for pupils and families.

Through the programme, schools can strengthen internal capacity to respond to complex needs and demonstrate inclusive practice aligned with Ofsted and sector priorities.

This Level 5 Apprenticeship is suitable for someone already working in an early years childcare or education setting who is looking to lead, or someone already leading on the operational aspects of this provision.

EY Lead Practitioners are typically responsible for leading other practitioners. As active practitioners they are effective role models of play-based learning, supporting others to develop their own practice and will be responsible for supporting the quality of learning and development across their setting.

Specialist Teaching Assistants will work alongside qualified professionals, using research-based practices to plan, implement, and adapt learning activities that advance student progress. Learners in this programme can work in primary, secondary, or alternative education settings where specialist Teaching Assistants will make a real difference by fostering inclusion, promoting positive behaviours, and advocating for children’s needs. 

A Pastoral Support Practitioner, at times known as an Early Intervention Specialist, in a school setting identifies and supports children (often aged birth to kindergarten or early primary) with developmental delays, disabilities, or behavioral challenges. They implement tailored strategies, such asIndividualised Education Plans (IEPs) or small-group interventions, to improve learning outcomes, boost social-emotional skills, and prevent long-term difficulties.

As a Pastoral Support Practitioner you will provide a person-centred, early intervention approach and service supporting pupils and parents. Additionally, you will offer practical help and emotional support to individuals experiencing a range of problems to help them overcome concerns or barriers impacting their daily lives.

This Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship is ideal for those looking to develop safeguarding skills. It is designed to promote best practice, ensure compliance and improve responses to safeguarding concerns.  

This funded training programme provides structured training to develop skills, knowledge and behaviours to protect vulnerable individuals including children, young people, adults and others in the community. 

Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to safeguard vulnerable individuals, serving as the first point of contact for concerns. Learn to recognise early signs of abuse, conduct risk assessments, and collaborate with agencies to ensure timely interventions.  

This flexible and interactive programme features 12 modules covering critical topics such as safeguarding legislation, risk assessment and multi-agency collaboration. 

This role is found in a range of public, private, and voluntary sector organisations, including education and training providers, health and social care providers, police support staff, fire and rescue services, housing organisations, charities and the voluntary sector, religious organisations and professional sports organisations. 

The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship builds the knowledge, skills and behaviours to support teachers and improve pupil progress. Blended online learning, tutor visits and off-the-job training cover whole class support, safeguarding and assessment, with optional specialist pathways and progression to HTLA.

This apprenticeship provides early years practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high-quality education and care.  This also covers behaviour, wellbeing and inclusivity to help every child feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Start a career in childcare with this Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship, designed for those passionate about working with young children in nurseries, preschools or other early years settings.  

This apprenticeship is the perfect first step into the early years sector, providing a combination of practical experience and essential knowledge to support children’s learning and development. 

Gain hands-on experience while learning the foundations of early childhood development, including the importance of play, health, and wellbeing of babies and young children.  

Throughout the programme, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals, receiving personalised support and mentorship.  

This work-based qualification allows you to learn on the job, applying your skills in a real childcare setting while working towards a nationally recognised qualification that opens the door to future career opportunities. 

The Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship delivers a professional pathway for future development with eligibility for Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) or Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.

This funded training programme is designed for departmental managers looking for a more senior role within small, medium, large and multinational organisations in private, public and third sectors. 

Tailored to meet the demands of modern organisations, this programme fosters leaders ready to make a measurable difference. 

This programme is designed to develop the skills essential for managing teams, implementing strategic initiatives, and achieving organisational goals. You will learn to adapt to challenges, innovate processes, and maximise efficiency. Delivered through a blend of digital resources, real-world projects, and personalised coaching, this apprenticeship enables you to unlock your potential while delivering tangible benefits to your organisation. 

Upon completion of the programme, you will receive CMI L5 Award in Management and Leadership. 

The certification is awarded following the submission of a written assignment that is holistically created in conjunction with the standard, recognising enhanced skills and expertise in management and leadership. 

Take your career to the next level. With a Level 5 HR Apprenticeship you’ll gain a deeper understanding of HR within an organisation. You’ll explore the management of relationships, systems, and processes, and learn how to develop talent and build successful teams. You’ll learn key strategies relevant to your day to day, honing skills in project management, analytics and technology, to have an immediate impact on your organisation while meeting the needs of the profession in a changing business world. On top of that, you’ll gain the confidence to do all this within the limitations of legislation and professional business practice.

Learners who are successful on the Level 5 People Professional apprenticeship will qualify with CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management, an industry-recognised standard that shows employers you have what it takes to manage a cutting-edge HR function.

This Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship is ideal for School Business Managers or aspiring SBMs looking to gain high-quality knowledge and experience. 

This funded training programme offers a curriculum tailored to the unique demands of educational settings including primary, secondary and special schools.

Learn how to administer and manage financial, site and support services within the school context. The programme includes modules on leading a team, legislation/regulation, operational management, marketing, HR and governance/risk. 

Engage in practical learning through real-world projects, enabling immediate application of skills in the workplace. The programme combines interactive workshops, digital resources, and workplace-based activities, providing flexible and engaging training. 

This Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship is ideal for School Business Managers or aspiring SBMs looking to gain high-quality knowledge and experience. 

This funded training programme offers a curriculum tailored to the unique demands of educational settings including primary, secondary and special schools.

Learn how to administer and manage financial, site and support services within the school context. The programme includes modules on leading a team, legislation/regulation, operational management, marketing, HR and governance/risk. 

Engage in practical learning through real-world projects, enabling immediate application of skills in the workplace. The programme combines interactive workshops, digital resources, and workplace-based activities, providing flexible and engaging training. 

This Level 3 Library, Information & Archive Services Apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who are passionate about knowledge, learning and information. 

This flexible, interactive programme features expertly designed modules, covering topics such as legislation, management of information, preservation of data, continuous improvement and project management. 

Designed to boost productivity, enhance communication, and improve workplace efficiency, this programme is the perfect investment in your employees’ professional development. Empower your team to grow and contribute more effectively to your organisation’s success with training that fits seamlessly into their busy schedules. 

Learn how to deal with day-to-day administrative tasks to support operations within a school environment with this Level 3 School Administrator Apprenticeship. Gain knowledge of project management techniques to manage responsibility and operations.  

This programme is delivered through Articulate Rise, this flexible training programme features 11 expertly designed modules, covering vital topics such as project management, planning/organisation and presentation skills. 

The School Office Administrator pathway adapts the Business Administration Standard to the unique demands of educational settings. 

Designed to boost productivity, enhance communication, and improve workplace efficiency, this programme is the perfect investment in your employees’ professional development. 

By supporting staff schedules and school operations, this role is vital for creating a well-organised, effective environment that benefits both students and educators. 

Setting strong foundations with a wide range of logical and analytical skills, this HR Level 3 apprenticeship gives you the tools to effectively and sensitively deal with workplace situations. With hands-on learning led by expert coaches, you’ll develop high-level skills crucial to a modern HR function, from HR analytics to project management. And with a Level 3 CIPD qualification, you’ll be backed by an industry-recognised standard to fast-track your career progression.

Take advanced knowledge and skills into your role, with direct business impact from day one. This apprenticeship will keep you at the cutting edge of technical expertise and beyond, with advanced training designed to enhance your role.

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge on the operations of financial institutions, legal regulatory and compliance frameworks, and a vast array of financial products and services.

Supported by experts, you’ll develop your accountancy skills in financial mathematics, statistics, and economics. You’ll also become competent in using and implementing systems and processes to deliver outstanding service to clients and stakeholders.

Alongside technical training, you’ll learn vital interpersonal skills, honing your communication and your ability to meet client requirements to the highest standards. A comprehensive package of training aimed to get you performing at the highest level, this apprenticeship ensures you stand out in a competitive market.

Depending on your chosen pathway, you will gain a professional qualification from either the CFA Institute, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI), or the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI).

This Level 4 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Professional Accounting Technician training programme provides a solid foundation in accounting principles. 

It is a great way to gain practical accounting skills while being employed in a finance role, earn a recognised qualification, and launch a career in accounting without needing a full university degree. 

The curriculum is designed to align with industry standards and provide you with the practical knowledge and competencies required to thrive in the accounting profession. Key topics include regulation and compliance, systems and processes, core elements of double entry bookkeeping and accounting standards.  

This Level 3 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Assistant Accountant training programme delivers a solid foundation in finance administration, covering areas such as double entry bookkeeping and basic costing principles. 

Learn more complex accounting disciplines including financial processes, advanced bookkeeping, final accounts and ethical practices for accountants. 

This Level 2 AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Accounts or Finance Assistant training programme will equip staff with the skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in their role. 

It is ideal for individuals looking to gain a foundational understanding of accounting principles, develop basic bookkeeping skills gain an industry recognised qualification. This funded training covers a range of key areas such as foundation bookkeeping and the latest accounting software skills. 

The Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship equips you with essential skills for configuring, managing, and securing network systems. You’ll gain practical experience in network setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting, preparing you to handle complex network environments and contribute to your organisation’s IT infrastructure effectively.

You’ll be equipped to handle both hardware and software issues, responding quickly and accurately to restore network integrity when networks fail, and communicating identified problems to ensure service is resumed and downtime minimised.

Through interpreting technical information and understanding organisational requirements and expectations, you’ll learn how to ensure that systems are working at optimum capacity and problem solve where they are not, ensuring compliance with legislation.

With the Level 3 ICT Apprenticeship, you’ll gain a broad range of knowledge and skills of the essential components that make up IT operations – enabling you to support the business’ IT infrastructure in a helpdesk role.

This apprenticeship will build your skills across network configuration, virtualisation and cloud, software installation and testing, data management and cyber security.

Key to an end-user centric role, you’ll develop strong communication and problem-solving skills, being able to identify and undertake fault diagnosis and rectification, as well as continual maintenance and updates to hardware and software, ensuring seamless service delivery.

Become the go-to person for AI and digital confidence in your organisation. Building strong foundations in generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, prompt engineering and responsible AI practices, this programme ensures you can use modern digital tools effectively and with impact.

Learn how AI enhances productivity, decision-making and collaboration, and how to support colleagues in adopting new technology safely and responsibly. With hands-on experience and interactive learning, you’ll be equipped to champion digital change and drive meaningful improvements across teams.