Success Stories: Meggan Bennett, Teaching Assistant Level 3

“I always thought about going into teaching and finally decided to take the plunge after years of working as a chef!”

We caught up with Meggan who is completing her teaching assistant apprenticeship at Mount Street Primary School. Meggan used to work in the catering industry but decided to make a complete career change and follow her dream of working with children.

“I love the teaching assistant apprenticeship; it’s very rewarding to help the children develop, form ideas and play a part in their positive development. My daily tasks might include taking the register, monitoring the children, leading circle time and group activities, and generally supporting the teacher. Many of the children have English as an additional language, so we also invest time teaching them English to better their progression. The role is very varied!

“My advice for those considering an apprenticeship would be to make sure you plan ahead and break the workload down into manageable chunks, as well as give yourself enough time to complete coursework so you’re not rushing! It’s also important to remember to ask for support if you need it from both your employer and Skills Group. My assessor, Marie, at Skills Group is very supportive; she is efficient and always available to help me.


“The apprenticeship is rigorous, but I am so pleased I took the leap to move to a career I love and it also ensures I keep growing and learning as well as the children!

“After I finish my apprenticeship, I would like to perhaps specialise in SENCO as I particularly enjoy this area. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship.”

Congratulations Meggan on your success!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School