Early Years apprenticeships & qualifications

Contact us using this form and select employer enquiry.

We will then be in touch to gather your requirements and discuss the best approach to get your vacancy live.

It’s managed by us. Once we have your information, we’ll add  your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service website and monitor the number of applications.

We’ll  firstly filter the applications based on  what you’re looking for in a candidate. To comply with regulations, the applications will be sent via a secure file sharing system. 

Just let us know the name of the person and we’ll arrange a meeting with you to organise their apprenticeship programme.

We can always extend your closing date or re-advertise your vacancy at a later date. 

You’re not under any obligation to recruit someone from the site, but if you do, you’ll have to make sure they’re signed up to an apprenticeship programme with Total People. 

In addition,  we’ll promote your vacancy for free in our weekly applicant newsletter and highlight the vacancy on our homepage carousel.  We’ll also promote your vacancy on our social media channels.

These apprenticeships are ideal for individuals who:

• Have a genuine passion for working with children.
• Are patient, caring, and have good communication skills.
• Are over 16 years old (some employers may prefer candidates who are 18 or older).
• Want to gain practical experience while studying.
• Don’t want to follow the traditional university route.
• May already be working in childcare and want to formalise their qualifications.

There are several benefits to choosing a childcare apprenticeship, including:

• Earning while learning: While gaining valuable experience and qualifications, you’ll also be paid a wage.
• On-the-job training: You'll work alongside experienced professionals, developing practical skills for real-life scenarios.
• Industry-recognised qualifications: Achieving a childcare qualification can lead to more career opportunities and progression.
• No tuition fees: Apprenticeships are funded, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying for courses.
• Career progression: Childcare apprenticeships can lead to further qualifications and specialised roles within the sector such as manager.

At different apprenticeship levels, you can earn the following:

• Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner – for entry-level roles in childcare.
• Level 3 Early Years Educator – qualifies you to work unsupervised in childcare settings.
• Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 and above) – for those wanting to move into senior or managerial roles within early years settings.

Typically, a Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship takes around 12 to 18 months, while a Level 3 Apprenticeship takes approximately 18 to 24 months. Higher apprenticeships may take up to 2 years, depending on the level and part-time/full-time nature of the role.

Completing an apprenticeship in Early Years can open the door to various careers, including:

• Nursery assistant/nursery practitioner
• Early years educator
• Childminder
• Teaching assistant
• Supervisor in a childcare setting
• Early years centre manager (with further training)
• SEN (Special Educational Needs) support worker
• Playgroup leader

As an apprentice, you’ll be involved in a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting children’s learning and development through play and structured activities.
• Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the children in your care.
• Building positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Observing children’s progress and contributing to assessments.
• Helping with daily routines such as meal times, nap times, and hygiene practices.
• Engaging in team activities, planning, and setting up activities for children.
• Completing coursework and attending classroom sessions with your tutors.