I wanted to gain a qualification and work at the same time. CWA offered an apprenticeship that allowed me to do this, as I wanted to become a primary school teacher.

My apprenticeship was at Peckover Primary School. I decided to study an apprenticeship over a vocational course as I believe experience in a job like teaching is invaluable and the apprenticeship allowed me to gain this experience while also gaining a qualification.

CWA benefitted me as I was able to gain the qualification that was needed to go in to further education and the experience required to go into my current job role.

My role as a Teaching Assistant in an early year’s setting is primarily to support the class teacher in a multitude of ways, working alongside a team of staff to create the best outcomes and opportunities for the children. I have the responsibility of covering across multiple year groups so that teachers can have Personal Planning Time.

Apprenticeships are a great way to get early experience in a job that you may want to in the future. Experience at such a young age will put you above other candidates who haven’t had any experience when going for a job. It also teaches you about the job you are doing, so you can take what you learn and apply it almost instantly.

I have now completed my apprenticeship, and I am now studying my degree in Early Childhood Studies at UcWA.

I chose to study at UcWA as it gave me the chance to stay within my job role as well as living at home, whilst completing my degree.

My degree covers studying about children’s early development, including the theory behind it and important aspects such as play and wellbeing. We are also required to do work-based learning modules, which require us to carry out learning in the workplace. I have found this the most interesting part for me, as I feel I can make a difference in my place of work through my studies.

The facilities at UcWA are exceptional. We have our own computer suit and study rooms, which has been very helpful. The tutors are fantastic, they are always helpful and make sure all the students are okay and on track with their work. They also provide lots of opportunity for 1:1 tutorial, where we can discuss our work, which has been very beneficial to me.

UcWA also arrange a lot of guest speakers and workshops for us to attend, which has been fun and good for our professional development.

I plan to go on to complete my teacher training.