Is a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Worth It?
Published 26/08/26, by Sean Garland
If you want to become a teacher but do not already have a degree, a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship can be one of the most practical routes into the profession.
Catalyst Academies Trust
Blog
Your Guide to Starting and Growing Your Teaching Career
At Catalyst Academies Trust, we believe great teaching changes lives. Our blog is here to guide you through every stage of your journey into education – from understanding key qualifications like Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), to exploring teacher training routes, timelines, and career development opportunities.
It doesn't matter if you’re a graduate considering your first step into teaching, a professional looking for a career change, or an experienced educator seeking professional growth; you’ll find clear, supportive advice here.
Drawing on our work with primary schools across Essex, we share practical insights, answer common questions, and highlight the many ways we can help you train, qualify, and thrive in the classroom.
Start reading, and take your next step towards shaping the future of education.
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Read MoreTeacher Degree Apprenticeship vs Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship
Published 26/08/26, by Sean GarlandIf you want to become a teacher while earning a salary, an apprenticeship can offer an alternative to full-time university study. But there are two routes with similar names that are easy to confuse: the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship and the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship.
Read MoreWhat Does a Week Look Like as a Teaching Degree Apprentice in Essex?
Published 26/08/26, by Sean GarlandA teaching degree apprenticeship combines paid work in a school with university study, so no two days feel exactly the same.
Read MoreCan You Get Paid While Training to Be a Teacher in Essex?
Published 26/08/26, by Sean GarlandIf you want to become a teacher but are concerned about giving up an income while you train, there are routes that allow you to earn a salary at the same time.
Read MoreWhen Should Teachers Apply for September Positions?
Published 24/07/26, by Sean GarlandSeptember is one of the most popular times to begin a new teaching role. It marks the start of the academic year, allowing teachers to meet their classes from the first day, establish routines and contribute to curriculum planning from the beginning of the autumn term.
Read MoreHow to Prepare for a Teaching Assistant Interview
Published 24/07/26, by Sean GarlandA teaching assistant interview is your opportunity to show that you have the patience, communication skills and commitment needed to support children in school. Whether you already have classroom experience or are applying for your first role in education, preparation can help you feel more confident and give clear, relevant answers.
Read MoreCareer Progression Within a Multi-Academy Trust
Published 24/07/26, by Sean GarlandA career in education can develop in many different directions. Some people begin by supporting pupils as teaching assistants, while others enter the profession through a degree apprenticeship or postgraduate teacher training. Qualified teachers may later take responsibility for a subject, year group or phase before progressing into senior leadership or wider school improvement roles.
Read MoreEarly Career Teacher Jobs in Essex: Start Your Teaching Career with Catalyst Academies Trust
Published 24/07/26, by Sean GarlandBeginning your career as a teacher is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference to children’s lives. However, finding the right school, support network and professional development opportunities can be just as important as securing your first teaching position.
Read MoreWhat to Look for in a Primary Teacher Training Provider
Published 08/05/26, by Sean GarlandThe right primary teacher training provider gives you more than a qualification. It prepares you for the reality of the classroom and sets you up for a long-term career in education. Not all training routes offer the same experience. Some focus he
Read MoreBenefits of Training With a Multi-Academy Trust
Published 08/05/26, by Sean GarlandTraining with a multi-academy trust gives you more than a qualification. It gives you access to real classrooms, experienced mentors, and a network of schools that support your growth from day one. If you’re serious about becoming a teacher,
Read MoreWhat Skills Do You Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?
Published 08/05/26, by Sean GarlandA great Teaching Assistant does more than support lessons. They help children feel confident, stay engaged, and make progress every day. If you’re thinking about working in a classroom, the right skills matter just as much as the right qualific
Read MoreWhat Is the Career Progression for a Teaching Assistant in Essex?
Published 08/05/26, by Sean GarlandThe career progression for a Teaching Assistant in Essex is clear, practical, and full of opportunity. You can start in a support role, build hands-on experience in the classroom, and progress into specialist positions or move into teaching through s