How to Become a Teaching Assistant With No Experience

To become a teaching assistant with no experience, start by obtaining a DBS check, then seek voluntary work in schools or childcare settings. You’ll also want to create a strong CV highlighting transferable skills and relevant qualifications. Internships, apprenticeships and networking opportunities can also be useful to giving you more relevant experience.

There are no compulsory qualifications or experience required for becoming a teaching assistant. That may sound like great news, but the truth is that you will likely still need some relevant qualifications or experience to prove that you’re right for the job.

Having no prior experience for a job can leave you in an endless cycle of feeling like you can’t get a job without experience but you can’t get experience without a job. However, there are many opportunities outside of traditional employment where you can gain relevant experience and build your profile as a teaching assistant candidate.

How can I become a teaching assistant without experience?

Becoming a teaching assistant without prior experience may seem challenging, but it’s certainly achievable with the right approach. The key is to focus on building relevant skills, gaining exposure to educational environments and demonstrating your passion for working with children. Here are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of landing a teaching assistant role:

Get DBS checked

Before starting your journey, ensure to obtain a DBS check. This will demonstrate that you are suitable to work with children.

Voluntary work

Work experience doesn’t always have to be paid employment. Voluntary work is a great way to get teaching assistant experience while showing your passion and dedication for the job. 

Many schools are understaffed and could use a helping hand in the classroom. While this may not be a full teaching assistant role, you may still be tasked with assisting the teacher in various different ways. You’ll get an insight into what it’s like to work in a classroom and gain valuable experience in an assisting role.

By being proactive, reaching out to schools and accepting a role on no pay, you’ll be seen as a candidate with great initiative and a passion for the job. 

Creating a CV

Your CV will be an employer’s first impression of you — so it’s important to make it count.

There are many tips for crafting a great CV, and you can find a detailed list in our CV writing article.

Some of the most important tips to remember include:

• Follow a traditional CV structure and try to keep it as concise as possible without omitting relevant information
• Only include skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for
• Order your qualifications so that the highest levels are listed first
• List your work experience in reverse chronological order
• Avoid generic phrases and unprofessional fonts

Earning qualifications

While there are no mandatory qualifications for becoming a teaching assistant, earning relevant ones is a great way to boost your knowledge, enhance your skills and stand out in a competitive market.

The qualifications that can help you towards a teaching assistant career are:

• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (RQF)
• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
• Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
• Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
• Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
• Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (RQF)

All of the above courses can be completed with CTC Training, the leading provider of online training courses.
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Internships and Apprenticeships

One of the best ways to amass real-world experience is through internships and apprenticeships. These programs offer hands-on experience in school settings and often have a combination of learning and practical application. As a teaching assistant intern, you could shadow experience teaching assistants or even get involved in lesson planning. Apprenticeships, particularly, may offer structured training alongside the job, ensuring you acquire the necessary skills while also earning at the same time.

Improve Your Computer Skills

Most schools now use technology for teaching, record-keeping and other administrative tasks. By honing your computer skills, not only can you assist teachers more effectively, but you can also leverage software tools to aid student learning. Consider taking short courses on word processing, spreadsheets or educational software commonly used in schools.

Networking

Building a professional network can significantly improve your chances of finding teaching assistant opportunities, even without formal experience. Here are some networking strategies:

1. Attend education-focused events

Look for local education conferences, workshops or seminars. These events can provide opportunities to meet people in the field.

2. Utilise social media

Follow educational institutions, teaching groups and influential educators on LinkedIn and Twitter. By Engaging in discussions and sharing relevant content, you can build an online presence within the community.

3. Volunteer at school events

Offer to help at school fairs, sports days or fundraising events. This can be an excellent way to meet teachers and staff in a less formal setting.

4. Connect with current teaching assistants

Reach out to teaching assistants in your area. They can provide valuable insights into the role and potentially refer you for jobs.

5. Attend school open days

Visit local schools during their open days. This can be an opportunity to introduce yourself to staff and learn more about schools in your area.

Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships. Be authentic in your interactions, show your enthusiasm for education and be open to learning from others in the field. These connections can lead to valuable advice, mentorship opportunities or even job opportunities as you pursue your goal of becoming a teaching assistant.

Get Some Experience with Childcare

Working with children outside the formal education setting can provide a variety of relevant skills. Babysitting or volunteering at after-school clubs can allow you to understand children’s needs and behaviors better. It provides an excellent foundation for a teaching assistant, as you’ll be well-versed in patience, communication and understanding the diverse needs of children.

CTC Training offers a range of teaching assistant qualifications to help you progress into your dream career. Simply enrol online and you’ll gain access to the 24/7 student portal, where you can view course content and upload assessments at your leisure. Pay in full or on a monthly payment plan depending on your needs. At CTC, we help you earn qualifications your way.

Enrol today or contact our team for more information.