As part of #NAW2026 #ApprenticeWednesday, we are excited to share some of our apprentices’ journeys.

Meet Brianny Pymm, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice at The Rowans AP Academy in Medway.

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"This route has allowed me to gain practical experience alongside my studies, which I feel is incredibly valuable. Being able to apply what I learn in real time has helped me understand concepts more deeply and see how they work in real situations, rather than only in theory. Another key factor was the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals. Working closely with my team has given me insight into different approaches, strategies, and ways of thinking that I wouldn’t have gained from classroom learning alone.

I’m really enjoying the balance of learning and hands‑on experience in my apprenticeship. Being able to apply what I’m learning straight away makes everything feel more meaningful and helps me understand things on a deeper level. I really value building relationships with the children and seeing the impact of the work I do each day. It’s rewarding to watch their confidence grow and to know that I’m contributing to their progress. Overall, the apprenticeship has given me a sense of purpose and routine.

From a career perspective, the apprenticeship gives me a strong foundation to build on. I’m gaining qualifications, hands‑on experience, and a clearer understanding of the career path I want to follow. It also improves my employability, as employers value people who already have practical experience and can step into a role with confidence.

The school supports my learning and development in several meaningful ways. I am given dedicated time every Monday and Friday to focus on my apprenticeship tasks, which helps me stay organised and on track with my workload. They also ensure I can attend all scheduled workshops, showing flexibility and understanding of the importance of my training. During quieter periods in the school day, I am encouraged to use any available downtime to continue my learning, which allows me to make consistent progress. In addition, the school provides regular CPD days that contribute to my professional growth, helping me build new skills and deepen my understanding of best practice.

Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I hope to progress onto a higher‑level apprenticeship that will allow me to work towards a degree and eventually qualify as a teacher. Another pathway I am considering is attending university in the evenings, which would also enable me to gain the degree I need to enter the teaching profession."