I’ve recently completed my Teacher Training Apprenticeship while working as an Adult Skills Tutor at MidKent College. I deliver a range of pre-employment and sector-based courses that support adults looking to build confidence and re-enter the workplace.
This journey has not only strengthened my teaching skills but also reinforced my passion for helping others achieve their goals.
I was really motivated to start my teacher training apprenticeship because I wanted to develop my teaching practice and gain a recognised qualification to back up my experience. I already loved working with adults who were trying to get back into work, but I wanted to understand why certain approaches worked better than others, and how to support different types of learners more effectively.
Professional development
The apprenticeship has greatly enhanced my professional development, particularly in differentiating lessons to meet diverse learner needs. I’ve learned to adapt resources and activities so all learners can access content at their level. My formative assessment skills have also improved I now use quick, low-pressure checks like exit tickets to identify learning gaps and adjust teaching in real time. Additionally, my feedback has become more constructive and focused on clear next steps, helping learners build confidence and take ownership of their progress. Overall, the apprenticeship has made me a more reflective, adaptable, and effective tutor.
Transformative experience
A key moment for me was when we had to deliver our presentation in the theatre. Mine focused on research around Adult Learning Theory, and that process really helped me understand the demographic of my learners in much more depth. Looking at how adults are motivated, the barriers they face, and the importance of relevance and respect in learning completely shifted how I approached my sessions. Standing in the theatre and presenting my findings to others was nervewracking at first, but it actually boosted my confidence a lot. Since then, I’ve felt more comfortable leading group discussions, presenting in front of colleagues, and using theory to inform my practice.
Support & advice
I’ve had a strong support network throughout my apprenticeship. Jack and Nathan’s regular observations and honest feedback helped me grow. Our post-session discussions deepened my critical thinking and delivery skills. They’ve guided me in adapting my style for different learner groups. Natasha and other colleagues have offered great informal support. We share ideas and resources that make sessions more engaging. This teamwork has boosted my confidence and creativity. Overall, their support has helped me become a more reflective and adaptable tutor.
If you are considering the apprenticeship, I’d definitely say go for it. It’s such a valuable experience not just for your teaching skills, but for your personal growth too. It’s a big commitment, and there are moments where the workload feels like a lot, but it’s so rewarding when you start seeing how much your practice develops. My advice would be to stay curious, keep linking what you learn to your classroom practice, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Every observation and every challenge is a chance to improve and by the end, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.
