Early Years Apprenticeships & Qualifications
Early Years apprenticeships
As an Early Years Apprentice, whether you’re starting your journey at Level 2, progressing through Level 3, or advancing to Level 5, you play a vital role in the care, welfare, and education of young children – one of the most rewarding and impactful careers.
You’ll support children’s early development by building strong, nurturing relationships that help them feel safe, confident and ready to explore the world around them.
Your role involves planning and delivering engaging play and learning activities designed to promote children’s growth and prepare them for their next steps, including starting school.
To succeed in Early Years, you’ll need:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team
- Patience
- Have an understanding and caring nature.
We also offer a Safeguarding Support Officer qualification, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to help maintain a safe environment for children and those around them.
Find Your Ideal Apprenticeship
Get qualified and launch your career with a rewarding apprenticeship. Get in touch with our friendly team.
Become a qualified Early Years Educator through Apprenticeships
The learning experience
Industry expert coaches
Free access to an online learning library
Free Microsoft 365 account during study
Free student discount card
Monthly webinars
Individual coaching and mentoring sessions
Are you an employer?
Apprenticeships are a cost-effective way of reskilling your teams to have the right knowledge and behaviours to enable future success, through your people.
Delivery can also be tailored to your organisation's learning and development needs, with expertise in navigating the skills system and funding to get the most out of apprenticeships.
We have a wealth of resources available in our dedicated Employer Hub to help guide you through the process and explain how we can support you at every step.
Employer HUBApprenticeship funding
Understanding how to fund apprenticeships can seem complicated. As experts, we can guide you through the process and help you to make the most of funding options that are available to you, either as an SME or a larger Levy-paying organisation.
Funding explained
Frequently asked questions
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.
Teaching Assistant
Exploring career options in education? Our teaching assistant apprenticeships and qualifications are just another route to help you make a difference in education.
Discover how you can build valuable skills for a rewarding career with children and young people.
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