Thrive apprenticeships: Which one is right for you?

21st May 2025 | Blogs

Thrive’s work-based apprenticeships are a great way to develop your skills, gain hands-on experience and earn a nationally-recognised qualification, all while staying in your current role.

In this blog, we’ll introduce Thrive’s four apprenticeships, who they’re best suited to and what you’ll gain from each programme.

  

New to Thrive training? Start here.

If you’re new to Thrive or have only completed introductory training, these apprenticeships are for you. If you’re a Thrive Licensed Practitioner, keep scrolling to the advanced options below.

 

Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 5

Who it’s for: Experienced teaching assistants looking to enhance their careers and build expertise in social and emotional support.

What you’ll learn: You’ll gain the skills to plan, implement and adapt activities, collaborate with teachers, families and external agencies, and advocate for pupils’ needs so they can thrive both personally and academically.

Dual qualification: Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant and Thrive Licensed Practitioner status.

Duration: 18 months

Funding value: £12,000

Click below to check your eligibility, read FAQs and download a guide for your employer.

View course overview

 

Thrive Wellbeing Leadership Apprenticeship Level 5

Who it’s for: Teachers, leaders and aspiring leaders keen to advance their leadership and management skills while building the expertise to strategically implement Thrive.

What you’ll learn: This programme will develop your leadership and management skills and empower you to take the lead on strategically embedding Thrive in your setting. You’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of young people’s social and emotional needs as well as the expertise to drive an impactful wellbeing initiative that benefits the whole school community.

Dual qualification: Level 5 Operations Manager and Thrive Licensed Practitioner status.

Duration: 14 months

Funding value: £9,000

Click below to check your eligibility, read FAQs and download a guide for your employer.

View course overview

 

Not sure an apprenticeship is for you? Licensed Practitioner training could be a fit.

If an apprenticeship isn’t for you, you can still become a Thrive Licensed Practitioner through our standalone training. This option provides a faster route to becoming qualified and solely focuses on using the Thrive Approach to support the children and young people in your care.

 

Already a Thrive Licensed Practitioner? Take your skills to the next level.

These advanced, triple-award programmes are most appropriate for people who have already completed wellbeing training. The Thrive element is best suited to people who have already trained as Licensed Practitioners.

 

Thrive Advanced Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 5

Who it’s for: Experienced teaching assistants or classroom support staff who have previously trained as Thrive Licensed Practitioners.

What you’ll learn: This programme will teach you how to plan, implement and adapt activities, collaborate with teachers, families and external agencies, and advocate for pupils’ needs so they can thrive both personally and academically within and beyond the classroom. The content builds on skills and knowledge already acquired and is designed to amplify your impact on children and young people.

Triple qualification: Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant, Thrive Advanced Practitioner and Family Thrive Course Leader status.

Duration: 18 months

Funding value: £12,000

Click below to check your eligibility, read FAQs and download a guide for your employer.

View course overview

 

Thrive Advanced Practitioner Leadership Apprenticeship Level 5

Who it’s for: Teachers, leaders and aspiring leaders who have previously trained as Thrive Licensed Practitioners.

What you’ll learn: This programme will develop your leadership and management skills and enhance your Thrive practice. You’ll cover operational planning, stakeholder collaboration, project management and strategic decision-making. The Thrive element includes curriculum design, SEND, relational policies and procedures, Thrive impact evaluation, auditing provision, working towards School of Excellence status, bringing the Thrive Approach to parents and carers and showcasing the value of wellbeing support for accountable bodies including Ofsted and SIAMS.

Triple qualification: Level 5 Operations Manager, Thrive Advanced Practitioner and Family Thrive Course Leader status.

Duration: 14 months

Funding value: £9,000

Click below to check your eligibility, read FAQs and download a guide for your employer.

View course overview

  

Funding your apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are fully funded for those working in local authority schools or those paying into the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support. Download your guide to the apprenticeship levy.
 

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