8-14 February is National Apprenticeship Week and so we would like to highlight that across the Lighthouse Schools Partnership there are currently 6 apprentices who are studying alongside their day to day duties to achieve qualifications that will develop and support their role in the Trust.

From Accountancy and Taxation, HR Consultant, Business Administration and Facilities/Site Management LSP employees can undertake a wide range of apprentices within the Trust and those who undertake these qualifications find them incredibly rewarding.

John Tripp is currently working towards a Finance Assistant apprenticeship as part of the LSP Central Finance Team “I am learning so much more by doing an apprenticeship instead of just studying using books. I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted a career and hands on experience to get there. Working at the Trust, as part of a bigger team, means I have been able to experience things that I wouldn’t have covered as part of the standard training  and the mentoring and support I have received has really helped me.”

John’s manager and mentor, Natalie Fear has found that an apprentice in the team has been really beneficial “John brings new ideas and ways of working to the table. His knowledge and learning can then be shared amongst the team and the wider trust. He is well supported by his College, but the on-the-job tasks we show him really assist him with meeting his apprenticeship objectives.”

Apprenticeships are not just for those leaving education; existing staff are welcome to explore the possibility of an apprenticeship that would enhance their knowledge and benefit their role. They are free of charge to the employee with the LSP, as the employer, covering the cost of the qualification. Apprenticeships are offered at a variety of qualification levels and take on average 18 months, dependant on the course objectives and progress made.

Danielle Stokes, HR Administrator at Backwell School is currently undertaking a Level 5 Apprenticeship in HR Consultancy. She decided to undertake this qualification to increase her specialist knowledge and to build on the qualification she already had. Whilst studying alongside work and family life is not always “straight forward, the end goal makes the hard work worth it”. Danielle is already seeing benefits from her studies “I feel completely supported by my team leader and mentor and I have already noticed situations in which I have felt more confident and effective as a result of my apprenticeship. I would recommended considering an apprenticeship as I can already see the benefits to my role and the student discount was an unexpected but welcome surprise!”

There are many apprenticeship subjects relevant to the Education Sector:

• Teacher
• Schools Business Professionals
• Sports Development
• Catering and professional Chefs
• Children and Young people’s workforce
• Customer Service and Administration
• Facilities Management
• Financial Services
• IT Applications

If you are inspired to undertake an apprenticeship to increase your skills or build on prior qualifications please discuss the course and provider with your line manager. They will then pass your request onto the HR Team.

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership also collaborates with colleges in the local area to offer Apprenticeship employment opportunities within the Trust. All apprenticeship opportunities are advertised on the Apprenticeship website.