Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant

Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant – Further Education College

SEND Teaching Assistant | SEN Teaching Assistant | SEND Support

Location: Leeds
Pay: £10.00 – £13.00 per hour (above apprenticeship rate)
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time

Earn while you learn as a SEND Teaching Assistant

Are you looking to start a rewarding career supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

We’re recruiting a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant to join a supportive further education college in Leeds, working alongside experienced teaching and support staff to help students overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and achieve their goals.

As part of the role, you’ll complete a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, gaining valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary from day one.

Why this role stands out

• £10.00 – £13.00 per hour (above the standard apprenticeship rate)
• FREE Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (CACHE)
• Earn while you learn with an 11-month apprenticeship
• Practical, college-based experience supporting students with SEND
• Full mentoring and structured support from Engage Education
• Opportunities to develop a long-term career in SEND, education and student support
• Clear progression towards Level 4 HLTA and specialist SEND roles

Key responsibilities

As a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students
• Support young people with a range of SEND and additional learning needs
• Help students develop their confidence, independence and engagement with learning
• Support students who may experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Assist with literacy, numeracy and vocational learning activities
• Adapt learning resources and activities to meet individual needs
• Follow individual support plans and strategies
• Support students to develop their communication, organisation and independent learning skills
• Work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to promote inclusion
• Assist with lesson preparation, learning resources and targeted interventions
• Encourage positive behaviour, participation and progress

Who should apply?

This opportunity is ideal for anyone looking to build a career working with young people, particularly those with additional needs.

You may be:

• An aspiring teacher or SEND specialist
• A graduate in Psychology, Education, Youth Work or a related subject
• An existing Teaching Assistant or support worker looking to gain a recognised qualification
• A youth worker, care worker, mentor or learning support worker
• Someone with experience supporting young people in a community or care setting
• A career changer with a genuine passion for helping young people succeed

No previous school or college experience is required — we’re looking for the right attitude, commitment and enthusiasm to learn.

Requirements

• Commitment to completing an 11-month apprenticeship
• GCSE English and Maths Grade C/4+ preferred
• A genuine interest in supporting young people with additional needs
• Reliable, patient and able to work effectively as part of a team
• Not currently enrolled on another government-funded course

Training & benefits

• Fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• Study completed flexibly during college holidays
• Structured mentoring and ongoing support
• £50 Amazon referral voucher
• Full DBS application support
• Valuable hands-on experience in a further education environment
• Clear long-term progression opportunities within SEND and education

Apply now

If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to earn while you learn, this could be the perfect opportunity to start your career as a SEND Teaching Assistant.

Apply now to gain practical experience, achieve a recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, and make a real difference to the lives of students.

All applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an enhanced DBS check — full support is provided.