Listings - Education

Education

So, what's it all about?

"I believe that children are our future / Teach them well and let them lead the way," sang Whitney Houston. OK, it's a truly awful song, but she had a point.

There's no denying that education is a vital thing. If you're interested in standing in front of the interactive whiteboard and handing out detentions, you'll need to head for university or teacher training college (although the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is an alternative way into working in the classroom).

But your wonderful school teachers are only one aspect of the education sector. If you fancy looking after toddlers or running a youth club then an Apprenticeship is a great way to get started.

With more and more parents out at work, nursery schools, playgroups and daycare centres for the under-fives are on the increase. If you get on well with the little 'uns, a career in childcare can be extremely rewarding. By organising stimulating play and educational activities, you'll be helping kids to build their social and practical skills and have fun at the same time (and you'll be getting paid while you play with playdough - result!).

Working with 5-16-year-olds as an activity leader or playworker can be just as fun and rewarding - maybe in an after-school club, with a youth group or at a leisure centre at the weekends. Some youth workers specialise in areas like music, sports or drama, while others organise a wide range of general activities. It's not always easy - you'll have your work cut out inspiring a diverse group of kids, particularly when many of them would rather be at home watching TV.

And it's not all play. There's a lot of organisation to do: somebody needs to book the hall, hire the minibus, manage the budget or persuade the local council to find the money for a skate ramp. You'll also be in charge of crucial matters like first aid and health and safety. That's quite a responsibility. If you're not sure you could keep control of a team of teenagers armed with javelins, then running the after-school athletics club probably isn't your thing.

Whatever area you're interested in, it's very important that you relate to and care about other people. You're not going to be an inspiring youth group leader if you don't like kids. Teach them well and let them lead the way - they're our future...

What qualities do I need?

be responsible
be fit and active
show good leadership skills
manage risks and health and safety issues
relate well to other people from different age groups and backgrounds
have barrels of patience and enthusiasm
think of creative ideas
have a caring, sensitive side (more important in the nursery than the gym, but you never know)
have a sense of fun and adventure

Vital Statistics

Hours: A lot of jobs involve working with young people out of school hours, so that could mean some unconventional shifts: early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Environment: You could be based at a community centre, school or holiday camp - you won't be stuck behind a desk. You'll be keeping active and mixing with a wide range of people.

Location: There are opportunities to travel, too: you could supervise outward-bound expeditions or provide childcare in a holiday resort.

Apprenticeships in this sector

These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.