Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship
The Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for individuals who want to support teaching and learning in schools or colleges. This programme prepares you to work alongside teachers to support pupils’ academic, emotional, and social development across a range of educational settings, including primary, secondary, and special schools.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a school while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact in the classroom
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a school while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact in the classroom
Course Information
Course Type:
Apprenticeship
Study Mode:
PT Released
Qualification:
Apprenticeship
Location:
Deane Road Campus
Course Code:
SD297-L3
Course Length:
54
Start Date:
Various start dates from March 2025
Subject Area:
HEALTHCARE, SCIENCE & EDUCATION
Overview
The Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for individuals who want to support teaching and learning in schools or colleges. This programme prepares you to work alongside teachers to support pupils’ academic, emotional, and social development across a range of educational settings, including primary, secondary, and special schools.
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a school while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact in the classroom
As an apprentice, you’ll be employed in a school while receiving structured training at Bolton College. The course typically lasts 18 months and equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact in the classroom
What You'll Learn
You’ll learn how to support pupils with their learning, manage behaviour, and adapt teaching strategies to meet individual needs. The course covers safeguarding, health and safety, communication, and how to use technology to support learning.
You’ll also develop skills in:
Delivering learning activities and interventions
Supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Observing and reporting on pupil progress
Promoting positive behaviour and well-being
Working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals13
You may also choose to specialise in areas such as SEND, Early Years, Behaviour, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or Assessment.
You’ll also develop skills in:
Delivering learning activities and interventions
Supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Observing and reporting on pupil progress
Promoting positive behaviour and well-being
Working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals13
You may also choose to specialise in areas such as SEND, Early Years, Behaviour, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or Assessment.
How Will I Be Assessed?
You’ll be assessed throughout the apprenticeship through practical observations, written assignments, and a portfolio of evidence. Your college tutor and employer will help you track your progress and prepare for your final assessment.
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:
A practical observation in your school
A professional discussion
A portfolio-based interview
These assessments confirm your competence and readiness to work independently as a qualified Teaching Assistant
At the end of the programme, you’ll complete an End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes:
A practical observation in your school
A professional discussion
A portfolio-based interview
These assessments confirm your competence and readiness to work independently as a qualified Teaching Assistant
Entry Requirements
There are no formal qualifications needed to start the Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship—just a passion for education and a commitment to supporting children and young people. This programme is ideal for individuals already working in a school or those looking to begin a career in education.
However, some employers may set their own entry requirements. If you have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and Maths, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in these subjects as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry—Bolton College will support you throughout your training
However, some employers may set their own entry requirements. If you have not yet achieved a GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) in English and Maths, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in these subjects as part of your apprenticeship. Don’t worry—Bolton College will support you throughout your training
I'm Interested, What Next?
If you’re interested in this apprenticeship, the first step is to register your interest with Bolton College. This will add you to our mailing list so we can keep you informed about any upcoming apprenticeship vacancies or employer opportunities in your chosen field.
To begin the apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment with an organisation willing to support you as an apprentice. While it is your responsibility to find and apply for suitable roles, Bolton College is here to help. We have a dedicated Job Shop located within the college, where you can meet with an Employer Engagement Advisor for tailored support and advice on how to apply for vacancies and prepare for interviews.
Job Shop Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Email: Job.shop@Boltoncc.ac.uk
Tel: 01204 482182
To begin the apprenticeship, you’ll need to secure employment with an organisation willing to support you as an apprentice. While it is your responsibility to find and apply for suitable roles, Bolton College is here to help. We have a dedicated Job Shop located within the college, where you can meet with an Employer Engagement Advisor for tailored support and advice on how to apply for vacancies and prepare for interviews.
Job Shop Opening Times:
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 3:30pm
Email: Job.shop@Boltoncc.ac.uk
Tel: 01204 482182
Future Opportunities
After completing this apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to work as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, or Classroom Assistant. You may also progress to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role or pursue further training to become a teacher.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in education.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in education.
Who Can I Speak To?
In the first instance please send an email to apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk
How to Apply?
Click the ‘Express an Interest’ button on this page to express your interest.
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Open Events
Open Events are your chance to experience Bolton College first-hand.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
- Wednesday 15th October 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 18th November 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Monday 15th December 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Wednesday 9th February 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 12th March 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 12th May 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 18th June 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Walk In Day, Thursday 2nd July 2026, 9am-4pm
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Supporting Your Learning
We have a range of dedicated support and wellbeing services including FREE travel, financial support, and impartial advice and guidance. Throughout your Apprenticeship, you’ll also receive one-to-one support from your dedicated Work Based Tutor, helping you to achieve your ambitions
Why Choose Us?
We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
English and maths classes - for adults and young people who want that grade or confidence boost.
What Our Students Say
Anna Shephard
Policing Level 3
‘The Study Programme gave me the skills to progress to Boughton University to study crime and criminal justice.’
Lucie Kovacova
Travel & Tourism Level 3
‘I was so proud to be part of a team that won the GMCG Skills Competition. I was even prouder when I achieved a Distinction Star on my course.’
Lucy Aitken
Fitness & Wellbeing
‘College has been so supportive with my karate training. My ambition is to get a Gold World Championship medal.’
James Thomas
Forensics & Criminal Investigation
‘I love doing crime scene investigation, it’s so interesting. Next, I’m hoping to study forensics at university.’
Jeet Varsani
Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
‘I was so proud to secure the runner-up spot in the GMCG Skills Competition.’
Lucy Boardman
Professional Cookery
‘The army visited our kitchens and challenged us to create a three-course meal out of ration kits. My team won!’
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