Acer Trust is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, marking a year of significant growth in our professional development programs. Over the past twelve months, the Trust has successfully increased the number of apprenticeships delivered across our schools, and we remain fully committed to further expanding the range and volume of these opportunities in the coming year.
Combining Work and Study
Apprenticeships at Acer Trust offer a unique pathway for staff to combine real-world work with specialized training and study. These programs ensure that new knowledge is put straight into practice, culminating in a nationally-recognised qualification. Whether developing skills for a current role or preparing for a new one, apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our commitment to career progression.
A Growing Range of Opportunities
Our commitment to variety is reflected in the diverse roles currently supported through apprenticeship standards:
|
Support Staff Roles |
Teaching & Leadership Roles |
|---|---|
|
Librarians |
Postgraduate Teacher Training |
|
Teaching Assistants |
Future Leaders |
|
HR, Finance, & ICT |
Education Management |
|
Estates |
Senior Education Leadership |
Insight From Our Apprentices
The impact of these programs is best described by our staff who have balanced professional growth with their personal lives:
Jeremiah Hayman (HR Assistant): Successfully completed a CIPD Level 3 HR apprenticeship, noting that the qualification strengthened his professional capability and confidence while balancing parenthood and an increased workload.
Laura Curtis (Teaching Assistant): Undertook a Level 3 TA course specializing in early years and SEND. She highlighted the positive work-life balance the program provided, stating it had a direct impact on her confidence as a practitioner.
Elspeth Doran (Deputy Head Teacher): Completed a Level 5 Education Management apprenticeship, which she found extremely informative and enjoyable. The program utilized Peer Learning Mentors to expand her understanding of leadership for both current and future roles.
Our HR Team have been holding drop in sessions in staff rooms across the Trust this week. Full information here: Apprenticeship-Week-2026.pdf