Any teaching assistants about? I need a mentor!

[SilveryMoon]

Hello.
I have decided that I would like to ecome a teaching assistant.
I'm just looking for some advice/guidance/support etc etc.

I have applied for a couple of jobs, not that I think I will get them, but because i have nothing to lose and it's all good practise.

The thing is, I have no experience or relevant qualifications.
I am about to enroll in a distance learning course, BTEC teaching assistant. Will this help me?
I also need to find some voluntary work to get the experience I will need.
Any suggestions on where I can look?

Any information will be hugely appreciated

Ok. I'm not actually learning atm because I can't afford too, but it's my plan.

Then mention that you're eager to learn.

Just make sure you have an example that you can talk about for every point of the job description.

Will do. Thank you so so much.

I must dash now because I have to put the gruesome twosome to bed.
But I will no doubt spend most of the evening (and w/e) on here so if you think of anything else, please come back

Will do if I get the chance! If not then good luck!

Thank-you. I will let you know. thanks again x

Can't really add much to YKNOTC's excellent advice. I would just say that whatever you think, you do have experience, gained from being a parent.

I always think it is really important to highlight your skills by relating them to the job on offer. So look at the skills you have and see where they fit into the requirements of the job.

FWIW, when I went for my first interview for a TA post, I had only a few O Levels. No A Levels, certainly no degree and not even an NVQ. I was competing against three others, all with degrees in relevant subjects. I got the job. So the level of your education is not always the be all and end all. There is a lot to be said for enthusiasm. The only thing that singled me out was the fact that I had done a lot of voluntary work at my local infant school and one of the teachers there was prepared to write me a reference.

I wish you luck for the interview> I hope you are successful because it really is the most amazing and rewarding job. Yes, it is had, sometimes it can be upsetting, but everyday there is a moment that reminds you just why you wanted to do this job and those moments are the ones that make the more difficult days pale into insignificance.

Can you tell I just love my job?

Thanks sihii It's a bit like being a parent then
I haven't done any voluntary work either, but hey, all I can do is show/tell them how interested I am and how hard I am willing to work to learn.
Thank you for your comments and support too.

I still haven't received the e-mail with the interview info. They couldn't have written my e-mail address down wrong twice could they?

YKNOTC I know you must be very busy, but I wanted to ask if I could e-mail you my cv for your thoughts?
Feel free to say no, but i thought worth asking [checky emoticon]
If not, not to worry

Hi Silvery, hope everything's going ok.

I've only just seen this but if you still want to email me your CV you can send it to [email protected] and I'll give you my thoughts.

If you still haven't had the info from them give them a call now to ask if they could please send it again this morning.

Hi.
I called them friday and still didn't receive anything so caslled them again this morning and they gave me information over the phone.
She said their system says my e-mail address received both e-mails successfully, but I didn't.

I've just got home from an appointment with a careers advisor who has helped me with the cv so I have a few changes to make now before interview tomorrow.

Excellent. Good luck for tomorrow

Be friendly and enthusiastic.

Thank you.
Just getting some bits and pieces together for it now. Packing my handbag!

YKNOTC The interview went really well!
The agency have agreed to put me on their books and will find work for me the minute my CRB comes back.
She has a school in mind and thinks it could go really well.
She said she'd already decided from our telephone conversation that I had the right attitude and that can sometimes go just as far as experience, so I am feeling hopeful.
Thank you so much for your support over this.
Waiting game now.
I will continue to apply for other positions too, but someone, somewhere will give me a job [hopeful emoticon]
You have been so very helpful.
Thank you agagin

That's fantastic news I really hope they find something for you soon. It all sounds very positive.

Thank you.
I've also sent letters to 21 schools in the area begging asking if they need/would like a volunteer to read with the children, so we'll see what comes of that if anything. Also been to my local councils volunteer office and have been told to go back wednesday to discuss some openings.

Excellent. Keep the momentum going. There may be other opportunities to work with children at libraries/school trips/youth clubs. Obviously this'll be easier once your CRB is through, but people can only say no and then you've lost nothing.