Inspiring Leaders Podcast
Workforce Futures: Apprenticeships, Equity and Career Pathways
In this episode we explore the growing role of apprenticeships in shaping the future education workforce. As schools and trusts face ongoing recruitment, retention and development challenges, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly important tool for attracting new talent, widening access and creating meaningful career pathways. Our guests discuss how apprenticeships can support a more equitable workforce, the lessons learned from recruiting and developing apprentices and how trusts can make the most of the apprenticeship levy to upskill existing staff. The conversation also considers how strong apprenticeship pathways can contribute to leadership development, workforce sustainability, and long-term career progression. About our guests Tammy is Director of Spencer Teaching School Hub , at Spencer Academies Trust , and Derby Research School . She is originally a secondary trained practitioner who moved into primary working in both inner city Birmingham and Derby. Her passion is supporting high quality teaching and learning to meet the needs of all learners, including our most disadvantaged. This commitment to addressing educational disadvantage became even more of a focus when she was fortunate to step into the role of Director of the Derby Research School. She believes that school leaders are empowered by engaging with evidence base, crafting their own bespoke school improvement journey to make the biggest impact. Andy is Director of Professional Learning in the Priory Federation of Academies Trust. He sits on the Executive Committee of the Trust, and leads on developing the workforce, both teaching and non-teaching. Andy leads the Professional Learning Team within the Trust which delivers accredited Apprenticeship training and ITT Provision. Formerly Andy led Lincolnshire Teaching School Alliance, collaborating with others to lead the strategic approach to several county-wide initiatives, as well as supporting the improvement strategies for teaching and leadership. Andy designs and facilitates several leadership programmes at a local level, and has formerly led Teaching and Learning within a Senior Leadership Team, as well as being a Subject Leader and Advanced Skills Teacher in MFL.
