What the job involves
An early years apprenticeship combines paid work in a nursery with training towards a recognised qualification:
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner — a good place to start if you’re new to childcare
- Level 3 Early Years Educator — the qualification most nurseries look for in practitioners
You’ll work alongside experienced staff, helping with play, care and routines, and spend part of your time on coursework with a training provider.
Who it suits
Apprenticeships are a great route for school and college leavers, and for anyone changing career who wants to train without stopping work. What matters most is that you’re caring, reliable and keen to learn.
Where it can lead
Once qualified you can work as a nursery practitioner, then move on to room leader and beyond. Lots of nursery managers started as apprentices.
Working with us
Tell us you’re interested in an apprenticeship when you register. We’ll talk through what’s involved and look for nurseries near you that take on apprentices.