The first few years of a child’s life lay the foundation for their future learning and development and early years practitioners play a crucial role. Childcare practitioners need to be equipped with the right skills so they can effectively support children mentally, socially and emotionally as they learn, develop and prepare for school. Working in this industry can be hugely rewarding and offers learners a range of career opportunities, from community work to education and self-employment.
For employers striving for exceptional childcare provision, investing in staff training and development will improve practice, staff retention and parents' loyalty and trust. Whether learners are new to the industry or experienced employees, our variety of apprenticeships provides learners of all levels with the skills they need to succeed.
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The benefits
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.
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.
- Apprenticeships are accessible for all companies large or small, and are either part or fully funded.
- Fill key skills gaps and identify developing talent in your organisation.
- Apprenticeships support staff retention and could hold the key to sustainable employment and team longevity.
- Attract the best team of workers – committed, and motivated individuals dedicated to build a career in this rewarding industry.
- Providing internal opportunities can benefit your work culture and provide a testament of strength and employee interest to your company.
- Elevate your business’s potential by providing your employees with tailor-made training programmes, structured learning outlets, and transferable skill sets.
Apprentice benefits
Agricultural and Farming Apprenticeships offer a range of benefits for employees which can enhance their skills, career opportunities, and personal development.
Apprenticeships offer a range of benefits for employees which can enhance their skills, career opportunities, and personal development.
- You’ll gain valuable qualifications and skills while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
- In the early years sector everyday is different. You will work with children of all backgrounds and abilities, helping them develop skills through a range sensory and play activities.
- You will play an important role in helping children from birth to school age reach their full potential.
- The early years sector provides abundant opportunities for a varied and exciting career, you could work for charities, in education or even set up your own business.
- An early years apprenticeship can bring fun, enjoyment and job satisfaction to every day, seeing the children in your care develop as individuals and knowing that you’re giving them the best possible start in life.
- Through your apprenticeship you will have a mentor who can guide and advise you, give you feedback and help you decide what are the best steps for advancing in your early years career.
- You will benefit from a combination of workplace learning and classroom learning, and through STS your employer may opt to offer you an added value experiential learning course at one of our 12 training centres.
The facts
In the UK over 339,800 people work in early years provision
There are 3,117 nursery schools in the UK
Apprenticeship standards
What does an early years apprenticeship teach?
As an early years apprentice, you will support the children’s learning and development through play and communication, engaging in activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. You will be involved in helping with activities like snack time, story time, and outside play whilst observing and assessing each child’s progress.
During your apprenticeship, you will be responsible for helping create a safe and healthy environment, recognising and responding to potential risks, and understanding safeguarding procedures to protect children from harm.
Our early years apprenticeships
We offer a range of incredible early years apprenticeships designed to help you build and nurture the skills you need to progress in your career. Here are the types of apprenticeships available depending on your career goals.
Early years practitioner apprenticeships
As an early years practitioner apprentice, you will interact with the children daily, supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play, and educational programmes. You will ensure the children’s welfare and care under the supervision of a qualified professional.
In your role as an early years practitioner, you will engage with parents, colleagues, and other teaching professionals. You will assist in observing and assessing each child, helping with care needs, and being responsible for recognising when a child is in danger or at risk of harm.
Early years educator apprenticeships
Early years educator apprentices are responsible for ensuring young children are able to learn, develop, and remain healthy and safe in your care. As an early years educator, you will adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements set by the government that cover the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 years old.
In your role, you will collaborate with colleagues, outside professionals, and parents/carers to meet the individual needs of children.
Early years lead practitioner apprenticeships
As a lead practitioner, you will lead day to day practice at an operational level. You will be an effective role model supporting others to develop their own practice. You will engage with sector developments, interact with children, families and practitioners, and be responsible for supporting the quality of learning and development in your setting.
The best fit
An early years apprenticeship is a great fit for those who:
- Are good with children and enjoy their company.
- Recognise the importance of sensory learning and play for children.
- Are patient, caring and responsible.
- Great at multitasking, intuitive, and level-headed.
Career opportunities
An early years apprenticeship provides the right skills and behaviours to work in a wide variety of roles, to name a few;
- Nursery Worker/Supervisors
- Nursery Nurses
- Nursery Teaching Assistants
- Early Years Workers/Assistants
- Nursery Practitioners
- Classroom Assistants
- Care Workers/Assistants
- Assistant Youth Supporters
- Assistant Childcare Worker
- Community Workers
FAQS
The Value of Early Years Apprenticeships
Early Years is a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path, both professionally and personally.
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