“Meeting people who believed in me made all the difference. It’s been hard to find opportunities after immigrating, but this apprenticeship gave me the chance to show what I can do,” she shared.
Oksana secured an apprenticeship as a Teaching Assistant and quickly adapted to a new way of working. She recalled how different the education system was compared to her home country, even down to how dates were written. However, with the support of her colleagues, she embraced the challenge.
“Being part of the learning provision is like being part of a family. I never imagined myself working in a school, but now I love my job, the children, and the learning environment,” she said.
A Day in the Life of a Teaching Assistant
No two days were the same for Oksana. Her role involved working across various subjects, supporting students, and running her own reading intervention group.
“I love that I get to work in different lessons—Geography, History, Maths, Art. I even enjoy Maths now that I’ve completed my Functional Skills Level 2! Every day is busy and exciting,” she explained.
One of her favourite aspects of the role was learning different teaching styles from a variety of educators. “As a Teaching Assistant, you gain so much knowledge just by being in the classroom. It’s a constant learning experience,” she added.
A Night to Remember: Winning the Apprentice of the Year Award
Oksana’s hard work and dedication were recognised when she was shortlisted for the Golden Apple Apprentice of the Year Award 2024.
“Being nominated was completely unexpected. Winning was even more unbelievable! That award means so much to me—it proves that if you work hard, believe in yourself, and keep going, you can achieve great things,” she said.
For Oksana, the award symbolised not only her personal success but also the resilience of other immigrants and refugees who were working towards better futures.
“When I look at that award on my shelf, I feel incredibly grateful. It reminds me how lucky I am, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their dreams,” she shared.
Overcoming Challenges: End Point Assessment Success
Like all apprentices, Oksana had to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to gain her qualification. She was determined to do well.
“I wanted everything to be perfect! Fortunately, my tutor and mentor had observed me before, so I felt prepared. The professional discussion was a bit daunting because English is my second language, but I had learned so much through my apprenticeship that I could answer with confidence,” she explained.
Why Apprenticeships Work
Oksana believed the apprenticeship route was the perfect fit for her. Learning on the job helped her coursework feel more natural and relevant.
“It’s the best way to learn. You get real experience while gaining a qualification, and you get paid! I’ve even told my son he should do an apprenticeship—it’s the best way to try a career and see if you love it,” she said.
Looking Ahead
While thriving as a Teaching Assistant, Oksana had big ambitions for the future.
“I’d love to become a teacher one day. For now, I want to gain more experience and develop my skills, especially in supporting children with additional needs. I’m passionate about Art and Art Therapy and would love to explore how it can help children express their emotions,” she shared.
A Word from System People: Natalie Sisson, Education Sector Lead, Early Years Tutor & Teaching Assistants Tutor
“Oksana’s journey is truly inspiring and is a testament to the power of apprenticeships in transforming lives. She has demonstrated incredible dedication, resilience, and a genuine passion for education. Watching her develop into a confident and capable Teaching Assistant has been an absolute pleasure. Her ability to adapt, learn, and embrace every challenge with enthusiasm is exactly what we hope to see in our apprentices. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and have no doubt she will continue to inspire others on their own apprenticeship journeys.”
Advice for Aspiring Apprentices
Oksana’s message to anyone considering an apprenticeship was simple: Go for it!
“People don’t realise how great apprenticeships are. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain qualifications, earn money, and build experience all at once. It can be scary starting something new, but with System People, I always felt supported. The apprenticeship gave me the chance to build a future for myself and my family,” she said.
Oksana’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, hard work, and determination, anyone can succeed. She is now inspiring the next generation of apprentices to follow their dreams.