AN ambitious teen has been given the chance to gain experience in her dream role as a PE teacher, thanks to an Orford school.

Using money from the government’s Olympic Legacy Fund, St Ann’s have been able to offer ‘aspiring teachers’ like Hollie Richards an apprenticeship at the school which for Hollie has transpired into a full-time role.

Hollie has always had the goal of working with children, but it wasn’t until she was given the fantastic opportunity, that she realised her true ambitions.

“I did sport at GCSE and at college, I always had a vision to be a PE teacher at high school. Now I have experienced working in a primary school my goal has changed and working with younger children is definitely something I would like to continue doing.

“I have been thrown in at the deep end, but I have learnt more that way.”

As well as gaining valuable training in the role, Hollie said how the apprenticeship has also unlocked new passions for her within teaching.

She said: “I have never worked with children with special needs before and this role has opened my eyes up to that, I have really enjoyed working with those who need that extra support.”

Hollie will graduate from her level three teaching assistant programme in November before starting her new role as teaching assistant for the year three class - many of the children she built a ‘strong relationship’ with when working with them in year two.

The qualification is delivered by Oxford-based training provider, Ignite Training, and allows graduates to either progress their career or further their education at university.

Stephen Cartledge, PE coordinator and year five class teacher at the Lathom Avenue school has worked closely with Hollie and has described the programme as having ‘multiple benefits’ for any school looking to do the same.

“Hollie has been a fantastic addition to the team,” said Mr Cartledge. “Her enthusiasm and willingness to learn not only supports our class teachers but also adds fresh ideas and activities to our classroom, PE and after-school club lessons.

“We’ve introduced new sessions for dance and netball because of the skills Hollie has added to our team, and her presence unlocks an opportunity for our teachers to work with smaller groups and pupils who might require extra support in lessons.”

Hollie mentioned another rewarding aspect of the job has been seeing the children grow and develop.

She said: “We have lots of children here, where English isn’t their first language and to see them develop and pick up the language is great to see as well.”

Apprenticeships in schools are available to new and existing staff and cover several roles and educational levels from level 2 – equivalent to five GCSE passes – to level 6-7 degrees.

Programmes are open to anyone aged 16 or older and 20% of any apprentice’s working hours must legally be dedicated to off-the-job training.

Mr Cartledge stressed the importance of finding someone who fits in with the team and the school, as the main advice to schools considering using a similar programme.

He added: “Hollie was enthusiastic, engaging and full of bright ideas when we first showed her around the school so she could understand the environment.

“She has been a massive help to staff and pupils at St Ann’s and we’re really pleased to offer Hollie a full-time position in recognition of her hard work.”

Justin Merritt, Ignite Training CEO, added: “Apprenticeships have traditionally been viewed as only serving specific sectors and individuals who do not have the grades to study at university.

“Hollie’s story is one of an increasing number of examples that challenges these stereotypes and demonstrates clearly how apprentices can be used to bring in fresh ideas and enthusiasm to educational environments.”