I enrolled with Northwest Community Services Training and started work in Palmerston school for secondary aged children with special educational needs. I found level 2 quite easy to complete and I was given all the support and encouragement I needed to succeed. A job for a learning support assistant came up in school and I applied and got the job in April 2020, just after I had started my Level 3.
I had gained so much experience and was practising discussions with my assessor and this helped me to pass my interview. I continued to get support and make progress during the lockdowns, as my assessor completed discussions over the phone and delivered knowledge over zoom calls.
Working in special needs and behaviour management built my confidence and I applied for a job as a learning support officer in the mainstream secondary school that I attended. I was successful and now work in learning support with a focus on interventions, SEND and supporting pupil behaviour.
I have just started the end point assessment process and have submitted my assignments and other evidence to show my knowledge skills and behaviours. I am nervous about completing my professional discussion, but will be practising this much more over the next few weeks.
I have applied for and been accepted for a university course in Learning, development and support at John Moore, Liverpool. I am starting in September 2022 and will be completing levels 4, 5 and 6 working towards a BA hons degree.
In my job role I have received training on pastoral care and recently started to lead the forest school days for year 7 pupils with challenging behaviour.
I am very pleased that I have taken the apprenticeship route instead of going to university straight from school as I have gained the experience and confidence to start a degree course and move on in my career. I have also been earning a proper wage over the last 15 months of my apprenticeship which has helped me save some money for the future.
