Thrive apprenticeships offer a unique blend of professional development and hands-on experience that empowers learners to make a real difference in their settings. Leading the way is Sarah Kelly, Thrive's Head of Apprenticeships, who has nearly three decades of experience in training and education.
In this Q&A, Sarah shares her journey into the world of apprenticeships, what makes Thrive's programmes stand out, and her advice for anyone considering taking this exciting next step in their career.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role as Head of Apprenticeships at Thrive?
Hi, I’m Sarah - I live in Nottingham with my family, including my husband, my 19-year-old daughter and two cats. I’m a very family oriented person and love being at home. I also really enjoy reading, walking and going to the theatre.
I joined Thrive as Head of Apprenticeships in 2024, having worked in apprenticeships for around 28 years. I’ve mainly worked with independent training providers and have had a variety of roles, including compliance, delivery and quality. Before joining Thrive, I was at a large multi-academy trust, where I started their apprenticeship provision.
My role at Thrive is to oversee the onboarding and enrolment of apprentices onto our programmes. I work closely with our sister company, Best Practice Network (BPN), to ensure that we’re aligned with our delivery, that all of our quality processes are in place and that we’re compliant with the apprenticeship standards. A big part of my role involves building relationships – both internally with Thrive and BPN colleagues, and externally, working with employers who are training apprentices in their settings.
What inspired you to work in apprenticeships and what do you love most about your job?
I found my way into apprenticeships through a bit of a sideways step. I originally joined Marks & Spencer as a management trainee, but I didn’t enjoy working in-store, so I moved into their head office and joined the training department. That’s where I started working with NVQs - before apprenticeships became what they are today. From there, I decided I wanted to become a tutor and trainer, which led me to a career in apprenticeships. I worked my way up from a trainer to a quality assurance role, then into leadership, and eventually into management.
Although it wasn’t my original plan, I’m really passionate about apprenticeships. I think they offer an amazing alternative to the traditional route of A-levels and university, providing young people and adults with real opportunities for career progression. Seeing how apprenticeships open doors and create pathways for people is what I love most about my job.
What makes Thrive’s apprenticeship programmes unique?
Thrive’s apprenticeships are unique because they offer a dual or triple award. On top of the really comprehensive training that comes with an apprenticeship, learners also get a recognised Thrive accreditation. This means that, as well as developing the skills and knowledge to become a specialist teaching assistant or an exceptional leader, apprentices also learn how to apply the Thrive Approach directly within a school setting.
The Thrive aspect of the apprenticeships fits seamlessly into the rest of the content. For example, leaders not only develop their leadership skills, they get to implement Thrive in their school and make a difference.
What would you say to someone considering a Thrive apprenticeship but feeling unsure?
An apprenticeship is something you’ll get a lot out of, it’s great for career progression and your own personal growth, but it’s also a big commitment.
I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the time to read all of the information available and understand what’s expected of them over the 14-18 months of the programme.
If you’re feeling unsure, I’d recommend booking a call with me. We want to make sure that everyone who applies fully understands the commitment involved and has all the information they need to make the right decision for themselves.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to someone starting their apprenticeship?
The best advice I can give is to embrace every learning opportunity and take time to reflect on what you’ve gained from it. Put as much of your learning into practice as possible and step back to consider how it’s shaping your skills and development.
It’s also important to stay on top of your targets so that the workload never feels overwhelming. Try to organise your tasks so that they become part of your working day, rather than feeling like an extra responsibility. And most importantly - don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!
Over to you
If you’re based in England and passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, a Thrive apprenticeship could be the perfect next step in your career.
Just starting your career pathway with Thrive?
The Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship and Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship offer unique opportunities to build your expertise and make a real difference to the children and young people you work with. Both offer dual awards, meaning you'll gain a level 5 qualification (equivalent to a foundation degree) and Thrive Licensed Practitioner status.
Already a Thrive Licensed Practitioner?
Whether you’re looking to deepen your impact with pupils or lead the strategic implementation of Thrive across a school or organisation, we’ve got two tailored pathways to suit your goals. Choose the Thrive Advanced Practitioner Apprenticeship to enhance your direct work with children in the classroom, or the Thrive Advanced Practitioner Leadership Apprenticeship to drive whole-school or trust-wide adoption of Thrive practices.
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