Author: jtmatrsnary

As part of our support for National Apprenticeship Week this week, we want to share success stories across the Trust, highlighting the different roles apprenticeships can take and how valuable this learning can be – today Liz from Fradley Park Primary and Nursery School shares her experience of undertaking a School Business Professional apprenticeship.

What has been the best thing about doing an apprenticeship so far? The best thing about doing a School Business Professional apprenticeship has been the opportunity to apply what I’m learning to real situations in school. Being able to take new knowledge, skills, and approaches and put them into practice straight away has made the learning feel meaningful and genuinely useful. The apprenticeship has given me structured support, knowledgeable mentors, and time to reflect on my practice, all of which have strengthened my skills and helped me grow in my career. It’s a rewarding mix of hands‑on learning, personal development, and gaining a deeper appreciation of what it takes to keep a school running smoothly.

What have you learnt from your training that you have been able to put into practice in your job? I’ve learned a lot about how a school is run behind the scenes. I’ve gained a further understanding of budgeting, procurement, policies and procedures, and the importance of confidentiality and compliance. The apprenticeship has taught me how to prioritise tasks, communicate professionally with staff and external stakeholders, and stay organised in a busy environment.

What personal or professional skills have you improved the most? I feel that I’ve improved my communication and organisation skills. I’ve learned how to speak confidently with different people, manage tasks more effectively, and prioritise my work. Professionally, I’ve also developed my teamwork and problem-solving skills, which has helped me work more efficiently and feel more confident at work.

What moment made you think, “I’m really progressing”? That moment came when I started feeling confident in what I was doing, rather than needing guidance. Getting positive feedback from my tutor and headteacher also made me realise that I was developing professionally and making a real contribution to the school.

What does this apprenticeship mean to you personally? Personally, it has meant stepping outside my comfort zone, learning new skills, and recognising the value I bring to the organisation. The structured learning, combined with the practical application in my daily work, has helped me become more reflective, more knowledgeable, and more proactive. It has also given me a sense of pride knowing that I am working towards a recognised professional qualification while supporting a school community I care about. The apprenticeship has given me a solid foundation to continue developing as a School Business Professional.

One of our core Trust values at John Taylor MAT is keeping learning at the heart of all we do, and apprenticeships can help develop our staff team and give them opportunities for CPD. Today Charlotte, a Science Technician Apprentice shares her experience of completing an apprenticeship:

Can you tell us what has been the best part of doing an apprenticeship so far? The apprenticeship provides a balance of formal learning sessions, independent learning and on the job training that is flexible to learning in a work environment. My tutor and apprenticeship provider have been incredibly supportive, always available and encouraging to get the best out of the apprenticeship and the job role. It’s great to have the opportunity to learn new skills and earn a salary at the same time.

What have you learnt from your training that you have been able to put into practice in your job? I have learnt how to behave in a laboratory environment and all the polices/regulations that underpin the job to keep everyone safe. It has provided a useful structure to learn the skills needed to be laboratory technician and that these skills can be transferrable to other laboratory roles or career progression.

What moment made you think, “I’m really progressing”? The positive feedback I have received from the team and science staff in the department, alongside the feedback provided from my tutor and online learning platform shows my progress and any areas which needs further attention.

What does this apprenticeship mean to you? The passion for learning and applying it within the job has been incredibly satisfying and the job itself has been incredibly rewarding – without this apprenticeship I could not have seen an opportunity to start on a second career!