National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February) is a chance to celebrate the role apprentices play across our Trust and to highlight the wide range of pathways we offer for people at every stage of their career.

At Prospere, apprenticeships are a key part of how we live our value of Expertise — we invest in all our staff achieve their potential. From entry-level roles to higher-level professional development, apprenticeships help us grow confident, skilled colleagues who make a real difference in our schools and communities.

A Wide Range of Opportunities

Across our Trust, we offer apprenticeships in areas that support every part of school life, including:

• HR – developing the next generation of people professionals
• IT & Digital – supporting technical services, cyber awareness, and digital transformation
• Data & Analytics – building skills in data handling, reporting, and insight
• Teaching & Classroom Practice – teaching assistant pathways, and routes into qualified teaching
• School Operations – business administration, finance, and estates

These programmes allow colleagues to earn, learn, and progress — strengthening our workforce and supporting long-term career development within our Trust.

 

Celebrating Our Apprentices

Meet some of our current apprentices, who are developing new skills, growing in confidence and making a positive impact in their teams every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leon Walker, Apprentice Finance Administrator

Course: AAT Level 2/3 Diploma in Accounting
Length: 24–30 months
Team: Central Finance Team

Leon chose an apprenticeship to gain practical finance experience while working toward a professional qualification. He has developed strong communication skills, delivered in‑person training sessions, and helped streamline financial processes across the Trust — all while building confidence in his long‑term career direction.

“This apprenticeship gave me direction when I really needed it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Sowden, Apprentice HR Administrator

Course: IPD Level 3 HR Support
Length: 18 Months
Team: Central HR Team

Faith’s apprenticeship has boosted her confidence, developed her HR knowledge and given her valuable opportunities to represent Prospere in schools and at recruitment events. She has gained clarity about her future in HR and hopes to continue progressing within the Trust.

"I’ve also been given opportunities outside my usual day‑to‑day tasks, which has helped me build relationships across the Trust and gain wider exposure."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hayley Frater, Unqualified Teacher/Teaching Assistant

Course: Teaching Degree Apprenticeship
Length: 3 Years
Team: Prospect House

From supply staff to Unqualified Teacher, Hayley has grown through dedication, hands‑on experience, and incredible support from her team.

Her apprenticeship has strengthened her curriculum-planning skills and boosted her confidence, and she’s created engaging sensory learning experiences that have transformed pupil participation.

Hayley is now working towards becoming a fully qualified teacher — with leadership ambitions ahead. 

 “The Trust has always encouraged my progression….the gradual increase in responsibility has shaped my professional growth.” 

“I’ve made a real impact by supporting pupils’ learning and wellbeing.”

Read the full case studies on our apprentices here.

 

Career Progression

At our Trust, apprenticeships aren't just a first step, they're a pathway to a long and rewarding career.

Many of our apprentices progress into:

• Full-time roles in their departments
• Higher apprenticeships
• Professional qualifications
• Leadership positions

Reflecting on the journey of staff who have studied through the apprenticeship route, here are some examples of progression in our Trust: