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National College of Education

Apprenticeship vacancies

Get paid to build a career in education.

Live apprenticeship vacancies with schools, trusts, nurseries and colleges across England. A real job, a real salary and a nationally recognised qualification, with the National College of Education training you every step of the way.

View live vacanciesTalk to our team

Why an apprenticeship

A wage, a qualification and a career worth staying in.

Over 6,000 people have trained with NCE. An apprenticeship gives you the experience employers actually hire for, without the debt or the guesswork.

Earn while you learn

You are employed from day one, on a real salary, in a real role. No tuition fees, no student debt, no unpaid placements.

A qualification that counts

Every vacancy leads to a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard, from Level 3 through to degree level, delivered by NCE.

Support that never leaves you

A dedicated Development Coach, a workplace mentor and pastoral support all the way to End Point Assessment.

A career, not a stopgap

Our learners move into higher-level roles, specialist pathways and leadership. 90% report progression during or shortly after their programme.

Work with great employers

Vacancies come from schools, multi-academy trusts, nurseries, colleges and councils we already partner with and quality-assure.

Protected study time

Six hours a week of off-the-job learning is written into your contract, so development happens in work time, not evenings.

Roles you could apply for

The kinds of vacancies our employer partners advertise.

Availability changes weekly. Check the live board for what's open right now in your area.

Level 3Red Kite Learning Trust logo

Teaching Assistant

Support learning in primary, secondary and special schools while training towards a full TA qualification.

Employer partners like Red Kite Learning Trust

Level 3The Park Federation logo

Early Years Educator

Work with children from birth to five in nurseries and school settings, building a career in early education.

Employer partners like The Park Federation

Level 3Hamwic Education Trust logo

Safeguarding Support Officer

Pastoral and safeguarding roles supporting DSLs and welfare teams across education settings.

Employer partners like Hamwic Education Trust

Level 4Camden Council logo

Employability Practitioner

Help young people and adults move into work, training and further education.

Employer partners like Camden Council

Level 5Unity Schools Partnership logo

Specialist Teaching Assistant

For experienced TAs specialising in SEND, curriculum or intervention leadership.

Employer partners like Unity Schools Partnership

Level 6 degreeIslington Council logo

Youth Worker

A professional degree pathway to JNC-recognised youth work status.

Employer partners like Islington Council

Search live vacancies

How it works

From browsing to your first day in post.

  1. 01

    Browse live vacancies

    Filter roles by location, level and setting on our live vacancy board. New opportunities are added every week.

  2. 02

    Apply in minutes

    Submit a short application. No CV polish required, we care about attitude, values and potential far more than a formal work history.

  3. 03

    Interview with the employer

    Our recruitment team prepares you beforehand, so you know exactly what the role involves and what good looks like on the day.

  4. 04

    Start earning and learning

    Once you're offered the role, we enrol you onto the matching apprenticeship and your NCE Development Coach gets in touch before day one.

“I started as an apprentice with no experience in a school. Two years on I'm a permanent member of staff with a qualification behind me and a team that backs me.”
NCE apprentice·Teaching Assistant, Level 3VERIFIED LEARNER REVIEW

Before you apply

The questions applicants ask us most.

Do I need qualifications to apply?

Most roles ask for GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or equivalent, and where you don't have them yet, you can work towards Functional Skills alongside your apprenticeship. Some vacancies have no formal entry requirements at all.

How much will I be paid?

You are paid by your employer, not by us. Salaries vary by role and location and are shown on each vacancy. All employers must pay at least the apprentice or age-related National Minimum Wage, and many pay significantly more.

Is there an age limit?

No. Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over living in England who isn't in full-time education. Career changers are very welcome.

Does the apprenticeship cost me anything?

Nothing. Your training is funded through the apprenticeship levy or government co-investment, paid by your employer and the government, never by you.

In their own words

What our learners say about training with NCE.

Tutor Support, Mark Ellis and Mia Jones have been fantastic.

Carole McPhee

5/5★★★★★
Verified

I love listening to all of the experts and soaking in their knowledge.

Cheryl Jump

5/5★★★★★
Verified

The level of support from SLT tutors, thought-provoking lectures and resources to make you question your everyday practice.

Christopher Griffin

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Inspirational NCE team and speakers.

David Guy

5/5★★★★★
Verified

With each new piece of learning, I feel empowered.

Diana Detterick

5/5★★★★★
Verified

High quality tutors, presenters, materials and support.

Victoria Holmes

5/5★★★★★
Verified

I love the PLDs, with such high quality speakers and the NCE podcasts.

Siobhan Stanczyk

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Excellent range of speakers and superb support from James Potter.

Gary Streatfield

5/5★★★★★
Verified

The quality of tutors and lecturers has been a real highlight.

Julie Stewart

5/5★★★★★
Verified

The depth of knowledge and support from many different schools of thought beyond education.

Kathy-Ann McClean

5/5★★★★★
Verified

I am learning so much about myself as a leader. Networking with colleagues is great and I am fully supported by the NCE team.

Leanne Yost

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Excellent professional learning days and support from tutors.

Melanie Taylor

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Tutor Support, Mark Ellis and Mia Jones have been fantastic.

Carole McPhee

5/5★★★★★
Verified

I love listening to all of the experts and soaking in their knowledge.

Cheryl Jump

5/5★★★★★
Verified

The level of support from SLT tutors, thought-provoking lectures and resources to make you question your everyday practice.

Christopher Griffin

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Inspirational NCE team and speakers.

David Guy

5/5★★★★★
Verified

With each new piece of learning, I feel empowered.

Diana Detterick

5/5★★★★★
Verified

High quality tutors, presenters, materials and support.

Victoria Holmes

5/5★★★★★
Verified

I love the PLDs, with such high quality speakers and the NCE podcasts.

Siobhan Stanczyk

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Excellent range of speakers and superb support from James Potter.

Gary Streatfield

5/5★★★★★
Verified

The quality of tutors and lecturers has been a real highlight.

Julie Stewart

5/5★★★★★
Verified

The depth of knowledge and support from many different schools of thought beyond education.

Kathy-Ann McClean

5/5★★★★★
Verified

I am learning so much about myself as a leader. Networking with colleagues is great and I am fully supported by the NCE team.

Leanne Yost

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Excellent professional learning days and support from tutors.

Melanie Taylor

5/5★★★★★
Verified

Ready to find your apprenticeship?

Live vacancies are listed on our group careers site. Browse what's open today, or speak to our team if you'd like help working out which route suits you.

View live vacancies Explore the Learner Hub

Need help or advice?

We're happy to help. Get in touch with our team. Real people, real answers, no pressure.

Contact us