Build Skills. Grow Talent. Shape the Future of Early Years Education.
A career in childcare is more than a job — it’s a vital role in supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. At Skern Training & Skills, our Early Years apprenticeship programmes are designed to support individuals starting or progressing their careers and employers looking to develop a skilled, confident workforce.
Our apprenticeships combine practical, hands-on training in real childcare settings with industry-recognised qualifications, helping learners gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to succeed. For employers, our programmes offer a cost-effective way to recruit, train, and retain talent while meeting workforce and regulatory requirements.
We currently offer the following Early Years apprenticeships:
- Early Years Practitioner (Level 2)
- Early Years Educator (Level 3)
- Early Years Lead Practitioner (Level 5)
The early years sector offers strong career progression, long-term stability, and meaningful work. With thousands of nurseries, schools, and childcare providers across the UK, there is a consistent demand for well-trained early years professionals.
These programmes are ideal for caring, patient individuals who want to make a difference — and for employers committed to developing high-quality childcare provision through skilled staff.
Whether you’re an aspiring early years professional or an employer looking to strengthen your team, complete our contact form and a member of the Skern Training & Skills team will be in touch to discuss how we can support you.
Download our apprenticeships brochure, or view our sector courses
Download the brochureSee our coursesThe facts
There are over 368,000 paid staff working in early years and childcare settings across England, supporting children from birth to school age.
There are over 3,100 nursery schools in the UK, focused on preparing young children for transition to primary education.
Across the UK, around 1.29m registered childcare places are offered by early years providers.
Across the sector, 98% of early years and childcare providers are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.
Apprenticeship Courses
Early Years Practitioner
Support children’s daily care and learning, deliver activities, maintain a safe early years environment, and build skills in communication, play, and safeguarding.
Early Years Practitioner
Support children’s daily care and learning, deliver activities, maintain a safe early years environment, and build skills in communication, play, and safeguarding.
Early Years Educator
Plan and lead play-based learning activities that support children’s language, numeracy, and social development in an early years setting.
Early Years Educator
Plan and lead play-based learning activities that support children’s language, numeracy, and social development in an early years setting.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
Lead early years practice, develop your team, and deliver high-quality provision that supports children’s learning and development.
Early Years Lead Practitioner
Lead early years practice, develop your team, and deliver high-quality provision that supports children’s learning and development.
Early Years Outdoor Educator
Designed specifically for Early Years practitioners who want to enrich children’s learning through outdoor play and nature-based experiences.
Early Years Outdoor Educator
Designed specifically for Early Years practitioners who want to enrich children’s learning through outdoor play and nature-based experiences.
Working with some of the UK's best
The benefits of an apprenticeship
Employer benefits
Apprenticeships allow employers to shape their workforce based on their specific needs. By providing targeted training and hands-on experience, employers can develop a team of skilled and competent workers who are aligned with their business goals.
Education and Early Years apprenticeships enable employers to build a skilled, committed workforce tailored to the needs of their nursery, school, or early years setting. By combining specialist training with hands-on experience, apprenticeships help develop confident early years practitioners, teaching assistants, classroom assistants, and future leaders aligned with your values and long-term goals.
Apprenticeships are accessible to nurseries and schools of all sizes and offer a practical solution to common workforce challenges. Employers can fill skills gaps, improve staff retention, and create sustainable career pathways within their organisation.
By investing in apprenticeships, early years providers can:
- Identify and develop future leaders within their team
- Attract motivated staff committed to a career in early childhood education
- Strengthen workplace culture through clear progression and internal opportunities
- Deliver high-quality, standards-led training that meets early years education requirements
Education and Early Years apprenticeships provide tailor-made training programmes, structured learning, and transferable skills that support long-term success. With well-trained apprentices bringing essential knowledge and practical expertise, employers can confidently elevate the quality of care and education across their setting.
Apprentice benefits
Agricultural and Farming Apprenticeships offer a range of benefits for employees which can enhance their skills, career opportunities, and personal development.
Education and Early Years apprenticeships offer a wide range of benefits for people passionate about working with children and building a career in early years education, including:
- Gain industry-recognised qualifications and hands-on experience in childcare while earning a salary and without paying tuition fees
- Work with children from birth to school age, supporting learning through play, sensory activities, and routine care
- Develop essential skills in early childhood education, safeguarding, communication, and child development
- Enjoy a varied and rewarding role where every day is different and no two children are the same
- Access a wide range of career opportunities, including nursery nurse, childcare worker, nursery teaching assistant, youth support worker, or self-employment
- Experience high levels of job satisfaction, helping children of all backgrounds and abilities reach their full potential
- Receive ongoing support from a dedicated mentor, with regular feedback and guidance to progress your early years career
- Benefit from a blend of workplace learning and classroom-based training, with added experiential learning opportunities through Skern Training & Skills
- Improve long-term employability with high-quality training that meets early years education standards
The Value of Early Years Apprenticeships
Early Years is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path, both professionally and personally.
Read more
FAQs
How long do Early Years apprenticeship courses take?
Most early years apprenticeships take between 12 and 24 months, depending on the level.
What qualifications will I gain from an Early Years apprenticeship?
You will typically earn the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications, which are nationally recognised. You may also gain functional skills in English and Maths if you need them.
What kind of training will I receive?
Your training will be a mix of practical, hands-on experience with theoretical education. You’ll learn about child development, safeguarding, health and safety, play and learning, and more.
What career opportunities are available after completion?
Following your apprenticeship, your employer may decide to keep you on in your role, however this depends on their needs and your performance throughout your apprenticeship.
Will I be paid during the apprenticeship?
Yes. Apprentices receive a salary from their employer throughout the programme. Pay can vary depending on the employer and apprenticeship level.
What support will I get during my apprenticeship?
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive ongoing support and mentoring from experienced workplace staff and Skern Training & Skills assessors. This includes regular reviews, feedback, and personal development support to help you build skills, confidence, and progress successfully through your apprenticeship.
Why should I choose an Early Years apprenticeship?
An Early Years Apprenticeship with Skern Training & Skills is a practical, cost-effective way to build a rewarding career in childcare and early years education. Whether you’re starting out at Level 2, progressing to Level 3, or developing leadership skills at Level 5, our apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with recognised qualifications.
You’ll earn a salary while you learn, gain real-world experience in an early years setting, and receive ongoing support from experienced practitioners and assessors. Our programmes help you build confidence, develop essential childcare skills, and progress into roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, or Lead Practitioner.
An early years apprenticeship offers clear career progression, long-term employability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
Who are Early Years apprenticeships for?
Early Years apprenticeships are ideal for school leavers, career changers, and existing childcare staff who want to build or progress a career in early years education and childcare. They suit people who enjoy working with children, communicating with families, and developing practical skills in a real early years setting.
You don’t need previous experience to apply. Whether you’re new to childcare or already working in a nursery or school, an Early Years apprenticeship provides structured training, hands-on experience, and recognised qualifications to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Can I use the skills gained from my Early Years apprenticeship in different industries?
Yes. When you take part in an early years apprenticeship, you’ll develop transferable skills in areas like communication, teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and safeguarding awareness. These skills are highly valued in sectors like education, health and social care, community work, and across a wide range of roles that involve supporting people and working in professional teams.
Where can an Early Years apprenticeship take me?
Many early years apprentices go on to become early years practitioners, educators, teaching assistants, and family support assistants. With experience, you’ll also have opportunities to move into more senior roles such as room leaders, nursery managers, and SEND or inclusion leads.
