Moving from centre stage to the centre of the classroom

Pursuing a passion for performing arts

After realising her passion for performing arts, Lois was determined to make a difference and spread her knowledge by getting her qualified teacher status. However, it was important that whatever route she took to successfully obtaining her qualified teacher status, it had to be flexible and work around her life at home. She explained: “I had been looking for different ways to get my qualified teacher status. I had looked at a PGCE but could not justify being in a school full time for a year with no earnings. I have two young children and with childcare and paying the bills it simply would not have been an option for me.

I investigated a route such as School Direct, but there were no options within Performing Arts. I had never heard of an apprenticeship job for teaching before and could not believe my luck when I saw a job advertised on TES for an Apprentice Performing Arts Teacher 23 minutes away from where I live!”

Gaining hands on experience

Whilst completing her Teacher Apprenticeship, Lois has been able to complete multiple placements which has provided her with strong experience and fuelled her passion for teaching: She explains: “I have completed a full term at my main school and have enjoyed the challenges that the job entails. I feel that I am learning from other members of the teaching staff and improving my knowledge by attending regular Continuing Professional Development sessions and training at university or at our teaching hub.

I am currently on a placement for 6 weeks at a school within the Trust which has a different cohort of students. I am enjoying this placement and have enjoyed the added challenge of also teaching Key Stage 4 students. I will return after half term to my main school and continue until the end of the academic year, after which I hope to continue as an Early Career Teacher.”

Taking the next step

After completing her Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship, Lois has been presented with multiple opportunities to work as an Early Career Teacher. “It has opened the door to working full time on a salary in schools and to make my way up the main pay scale. I now have more options to find work as an early career teacher although I do hope to continue at my current school.

"I would recommend a teaching apprenticeship as it enables you to learn the skills as you work which makes it financially viable and therefore opens the door to more people."