Frequently Asked Questions – Cambridgeshire Paid Teacher Internship

Frequently Asked Questions – Cambridgeshire Paid Teacher Internship

 

I am a member of school staff that would be suitable for the Cambridgeshire Paid Teacher Internship programme, how can I apply?

Go to the Teachincambs website to apply.  All the information you need is there.

Is the intern paid?

Yes the intern is usually paid as a Teaching Assistant (or HLTA if they are already employed in that role) in year 1 by the employing school. In year 2 they are paid as an Unqualified Teacher. Once qualified, interns work as ECTs and are paid at the MPS rate.

What rate should I be paid if I am a current member of staff?

You should be paid at your current rate of pay or more if your hours need to increase.

What sort of contract should I be employed under?

If you are a current member of staff who is already a Teaching Assistant you do not need to change your contract for year 1.  If you are a new member of staff then you will be employed on a fixed term, one year contract.

In year 2, you will be employed on a one-year fixed term contract as an Unqualified Teacher apprentice (July to July).

Please seek advice from your HR team for school/Trust policies and approaches.

How many hours does the intern need to be working in Year 1?

You need to be in school full-time term time only – so that’s 29 hours.

How frequent is the training in year one?

Training takes place every fortnight in term time and enables you to develop a range of skills and knowledge in preparation for the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship course in year 2.  Training usually takes place 1.30-4pm on a Wednesday and is delivered via a mixture of face-to-face and online tutorials.  You are also expected to complete a reflective portfolio where you reflect on training sessions, your work in school, strengths and areas for development.

How are the interns monitored and supported during year 1?

Interns will be monitored by the school who employs them and the school will also need to provide interns with a mentor who will meet with them regularly to discuss progress and review their portfolio. A member of the internship team will also meet the intern at least once a term to review progress and provide formative feedback.

Does the school have to commit to both years?

This is a long term investment, so ideally the school should commit to both years as the intern will need a job to complete their apprenticeship and gain QTS in year 2.  If you wish to speak further about the requirements from the school, please contact us via [email protected]

Does the intern automatically transfer into the second year?

No. In the spring term of year 1, interns will be supported to apply to the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) course (year 2). Interns will have to apply through DfE Apply.  The PGTA course will be delivered by a local ITT provider and the course starts in July. Interns who complete the first year of the internship successfully are in a very good position to gain a place on the PGTA course.

Could someone go straight into year 2 without doing year 1?

Yes – if you have the appropriate experience and qualifications that show you are ready to start ITT, you can apply to complete the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship as a standalone course.  You will need your school to commit to employing you as an UQT and to support you with the PGTA course. Please email [email protected] for further details of the standalone PGTA course.

Do you need the same qualifications as other ITT programmes to get a place on the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship?

Yes -Applicants must have:

  • the equivalent of a grade 4 (or C) in GCSE English and Mathematics. Primary candidates also require a grade 4 (or C) Science GCSE or equivalent.
  • a first degree awarded by a UK higher education provider, or a recognised equivalent qualification.

Does a Teacher Apprentice (year 2) need their own class(es)?

Not necessarily, they will be teaching for about 3 days a week. It would be of benefit to be teaching the same class(es) regularly.

Will Teacher Apprentices in year 2 need to do an alternative placement like other ITT routes?

Yes – they will have a placement in a contrasting school like other routes.

How does the PG Teacher Apprenticeship differ from other employment led routes to QTS such as School Direct salaried?

All routes to QTS, including the apprenticeship, will have to adhere to the Secretary of State’s criteria for initial teacher training, be subject to OFSTED inspection and be delivered by accredited ITE providers.

How much off the job training will PG Teacher Apprentices do?

Teacher Apprentices will be entitled to receive at least 20% of their time for off-the-job training. While this can take place in school settings, the training must be distinct from normal working duties.

This is usually completed as a training day with other trainee teachers, much like other ITT routes. Travel will be required.

How are the costs of the training course in year 2 paid for?

Employers that pay the apprenticeship levy, or who have sufficient funds in their digital account, can use up to £9,000 from their apprenticeship service account to cover the cost of:

  • training
  • assessing the apprentice

Employers that do not pay the levy, or who have insufficient funds in their digital account, can access funding to support training and assessment of an apprentice.

Further information on accessing the apprenticeship levy is available.

Is there any funding available to help schools meet the cost of salaries for the PG Teacher Apprenticeship year?

Funding and bursaries from the DfE change each year. You can find the most up to date information here.

Are interns guaranteed an interview for the PG Teacher Apprenticeship?

No – each application is judged on merit like any other ITT application through DfE Apply. Interns who complete the first year of the internship successfully are in a very good position to gain a place on the PGTA course.

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Please contact us via [email protected]

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