Just qualified as TA

[Zig27]

I have just qualified as a level 3 TA. I'm not sure if I want to be a TA. It is hard work and the pay does not reflect this. I also feel the course and placement does not prepare you to do the job well as people don't have time to give you in depth feedback.

I have been temping for housing associations over the months and still enjoy this type of work. If I was to do the housing work and I wanted to return to TA work I would have to do placements again for free due to a gap away from working with children which I don't want to do placements again. Is it worth trying to work in a school in September and see how I get on?

It just frustrates me as I want to pick and choose what I do but employers don't like CV's where people don't stick to one sector even though I am in a helping people capacity.

Why did you study to be a TA if you didn’t want to be and had a job you enjoyed? I’m a little confused by your post. I would say better to volunteer in a school if you can to see if you would like it rather then applying for jobs.

@PurpleCloak

Why did you study to be a TA if you didn’t want to be and had a job you enjoyed? I’m a little confused by your post. I would say better to volunteer in a school if you can to see if you would like it rather then applying for jobs.

I had a stressful job and decided to change careers so I thought I would enjoy TA work. The children are ok but some of the staff have practices I don't like. I think you're right, volunteering more in schools may be best than to apply for jobs.

I don’t mean to be rude, but if you aren’t keen on the hard work, pay, staff and view the children as “ok”, then it’s probably not for you…

I used to work in a very well paid profession, but took a long break when I had my children. Having volunteered for quite a few years, I decided to apply for a full time role, when my children were older - with a view to teacher training, and making doubly sure it was what I wanted to do. Yes it is absolutely hard work - far more exhausting than I had ever imagined, but those moments where you feel like you have made a real difference, more than make up for the bad days. It’s definitely not a job that people would do for the money, because yes, it is rubbish. However, some people I have encountered in the role, are simply there because they can’t do anything else - or haven’t got any relevant qualifications in this country, and definitely only seem to be there for the money - and unfortunately that often shows. You’ve given it a try, so nothing ventured - nothing gained. Good luck with whatever you decide

The role of a TA is definitely hard work for little pay, that fact can’t be escaped. However, the role is incredibly varied, every school and every class I have been in has been so different. The demands put on TA are certainly increasing, the expectations during lockdown were crazy.

I am a qualified teacher but returned to a support/cover role as really couldn’t manage my anxiety teaching and generally I would say a support role is a good compromise. However, if you aren’t really sure about school then perhaps volunteer.

I haven’t heard of TA courses with training placements, can’t quite see why there would be a need. I know there are apprentice TA aimed at school leavers. You should be fine applying for jobs with your current school experience.

With a TA role, in my experience, you are often asked to carry out specialist work with little or no training. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, emotional support groups and providing one on one support for children with profound needs. You may have covered that all in your training but the expectation is there which you will need to deliver.

Do you have any longer term plans to move into teaching, or SALT or another therapeutic field? Working as a TA would certainly help, perhaps your role in housing would be similar if you want to work with adults?