CT Skills

Recruit and Develop Childcare Talent

Childcare apprenticeships offer a practical way to recruit new talent or develop existing staff, building the skills needed to deliver high-quality care, learning and support in early years settings.

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A More Effective Way To Build Your Early Years Team

Childcare apprenticeships offer a structured way to recruit new talent or develop existing staff, helping your setting build the skills needed to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Our programmes develop capable early years professionals with knowledge of safeguarding, child development, inclusive practice and effective communication, enabling them to contribute confidently within your setting.

  • Recruit individuals suited to your setting
  • Upskill existing employees in their current roles
  • Build capability that supports high-quality care and long-term growth

Apprentices work towards recognised early years qualifications, helping them build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to progress in childcare.

Support Available To Help You Recruit And Train

Recent government updates mean there will be more support available to help employers recruit and train apprentices, particularly when hiring younger individuals or building entry-level roles.

  • Training costs fully funded for eligible apprentices aged 16–24
  • Additional financial incentives for hiring young apprentices
  • National Insurance savings for apprentices under 25

This support makes it easier to bring new talent into your business while developing the skills you need for long-term growth.

Why Employers Recruit And Upskill Through Childcare Apprenticeships

 

Childcare apprenticeships support both your setting and your employees, helping you deliver high-quality early years care while developing confident, capable practitioners who can support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Employers

  • Strengthen your early years team
    Develop practitioners who support high-quality care, learning and child development
  • Reduce recruitment costs
    Recruit new talent or upskill existing employees in a cost-effective way
  • Train to your setting
    Build skills aligned to your routines, curriculum, policies and safeguarding responsibilities
  • Improve retention and progression
    Support long-term development and help employees grow within your setting
  • Build a future-ready childcare workforce
    Create structured pathways from entry-level practice through to more senior early years roles

Learners

  • Earn while they learn
    Gain hands-on experience in an early years setting while earning a wage
  • Funded training with no learner debt
    Access training without the cost of student debt
  • Progress in an early years career
    Create a pathway from entry-level practice to more senior roles
  • Achieve recognised qualifications
    Gain qualifications that support long-term childcare careers
  • Receive dedicated support
    Trainer assessors and mentors help learners stay on track
How We Support Your Recruitment And Team Development

How We Support Your Recruitment And Team Development

We support you through the full process, whether you’re recruiting new talent or developing existing employees through structured training and ongoing support.

1. We recruit or support your existing team: We source and shortlist candidates or work with your current employees

2. You select the right approach: Choose the right individual or development pathway for your business

3. We train and support: We deliver structured training and ongoing support throughout the programme

Childcare Apprenticeships That Deliver Real Progress

Our childcare apprenticeships are designed to support both your setting and your employees, whether you’re recruiting new talent or developing existing staff.

Each programme combines practical workplace experience with structured training, including masterclasses, workshops, 1:1 support and learning resources focused on early years practice. Learners develop knowledge across areas such as safeguarding, child development, attachment, learning and development, inclusive practice and supporting children’s wellbeing.

This approach helps learners build confidence, apply their knowledge in real early years settings, and contribute effectively in their role, while creating clear pathways for progression within your organisation.

level
2
Early Years Practitioner

Duration: 15 months

level
3
Early Years Educator

Duration: 18 months

level
5
Early Years Lead Practitioner

Duration: 23 months

TESTIMONIALS

My assessor has been incredibly supportive in helping me fully understand my childcare course. She has also provided great assistance with maths by arranging extra sessions with a colleague, and Rachel kindly offered an additional session as well.

Completing my Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship has been an amazing experience. My assessor has been incredibly supportive, offering clear guidance and thorough help with all my units.

I’ve completed my Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner course, which has greatly strengthened my leadership skills and supported my career progression. 

Current Vacancies

See more jobs
Apprentice Nursery Assistant

Leicester, Leicestershire, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Apprentice Nursery Assistant @ Hine Park Day Nursery

Location: 8 Highwood Drive, Leicester, LE5 0BW

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Hine Park Day Nursery?

Hine Park Day Nursery are an Ofsted approved day nursery that provides care for children from the age of 8 weeks up to 10 years old. Their services include school pick up and after care for our neighbouring school Falcons Primary.

You will be joining a team of passionate and experienced Early Years Educators that work together parents and carers to give children the best start possible in their lifelong journey of learning and discovery.

WHAT will I get from working with Hine Park Day Nursery?

  • EARN: £8 per hour, 40 hours per week
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm (term time only).
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Practitioner Level 2 takes approximately 16 months.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will be supporting with providing a high standard of care to the children. This is an exciting opportunity for you to be a role model and help children take their first steps! Your daily tasks will include:

  • Keeping records of your key children’s development and learning journeys.
  • Developing and maintaining strong partnerships and communication with parents/carers.
  • Advising manager/deputy of any concerns, e.g. over children, parents, the safety of the environment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
  • Being involved in out of working hours activities, e.g. training, monthly staff meetings, summer fayre, etc.
  • Undertaking other responsibilities where needed, such as preparation of snack meals, cleansing of equipment, etc.
  • Developing your role within the team, especially with regard to being a key person.
  • Keeping completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families, or other staff.
  • Awareness of the high profile of the setting and to always uphold these standards.
  • Supporting nursery assistants, students, and volunteers.
  • Ensuring good standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness are always maintained.
  • Minimum of 6 hours per week spent on apprenticeship work and training.

HOW does the Apprenticeship Work?

Working towards your Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Qualification, you’ll attend monthly 1-2-1 meetings (online via teams every month – NO classroom OR college!) with your tutor and learn about modules including child development from birth to 7 years, safeguarding, promoting wellbeing, supporting activities, purposeful play & educational programmes, and more!  You will be given a minimum of 3 hours per week to complete any apprenticeship work (assignments, research, and projects) and will receive at least another 3 hours of training from your employer. All apprenticeship work and training is completed in the workplace, during working hours.

WHAT skills/qualifications do I NEED?

  • Minimum GRADE 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths & English
  • UK Residency – must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
  • Enthusiasm, customer care, initiative, confidence & ability to be a role model.

What happens next?

If your application is successful, you will receive a call from our dedicated Recruitment Consultant who will discuss the qualification, location and course length in more detail. Following this call, you will be asked to write a supporting statement and complete an English and Maths assessment.

If you really want to impress us, why not show your enthusiasm and carry out some further research on the employer and the qualification you’ll be working towards! Links are provided below:

Employer Website: https://www.hineparkdn.co.uk/

About the Qualification: https://www.ctskills.co.uk/apprenticeship-courses/childcare/

9 days ago

Apply Now
Early Years Apprentice

Sevenoaks, Kent, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Early Years Apprentice @ Little Treacles Nursery, Kent

Location: Otford Church Hall, Otford, Sevenoaks, TN14 5PQ

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Little Treacles Nursery?

Little Treacles Nursery provides full day care. They provide a warm and friendly home from home environment, where children feel safe and secure. Their tailored care is personalised to each child’s individual needs. Their nursery features a small garden with free flow access from the Preschool room, allowing children to always enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.

They believe the early years are a precious and important time for development in a child’s life. These first experiences shape confidence, curiosity, behaviour and emotional wellbeing, and we are proud to play such an important role in each child’s journey. They provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel valued, supported and encouraged to be themselves.

They are committed to providing high-quality care and learning opportunities, constantly reflecting on our practise to provide the very best outcomes for children.

WHAT will I get from working with Little Treacles Nursery?

  • EARN: £8 per hour (pay review after probation), 40 hours per week
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday – 4 day week, shifts between 8am and 6pm
  • QUALIFICATION: Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years takes approximately 16-18 months.
  • BENEFITS: Occasional team building staff events, After probation period get birthday off, Free support line / employee assistant programme, Ongoing support / training and development

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will be working towards a recognized early years qualification, helping to build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to progress in childcare whilst also learning on the job. Your daily tasks will include:

  • Supporting the learning and development of children in line with the EYFS
  • Assisting staff in creating a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment
  • Building positive relationships with children, parents/carers, and colleagues
  • Helping to plan and carry out age-appropriate activities
  • Supporting children’s personal care routines where appropriate
  • Promoting safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing at all times
  • Helping to maintain cleanliness and organisation within the nursery
  • Minimum of 6 hours per week spent on apprenticeship work and training.

HOW does the Apprenticeship work?

Working towards your Early Years Educator Level 3 Qualification, you’ll attend monthly 1-2-1 meetings (online via teams every month – NO classroom OR college!) with your tutor and learn about modules including risk management, key person & attachment, learning & development, and more!  You will be given a minimum of 3 hours per week to complete any apprenticeship work (assignments, research, and projects) and will receive at least another 3 hours of training from your employer. All apprenticeship work and training is completed in the workplace, during working hours.

WHAT skills/qualifications do I NEED?

  • Minimum GRADE 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths & English
  • UK Residency – must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
  • Communication and team work
  • Organised and patient
  • Experience or knowledge with children is desirable

What happens next?

If your application is successful, you will receive a call from our dedicated Recruitment Consultant who will discuss the qualification, location and course length in more detail. Following this call, you will be asked to write a supporting statement and complete an English and Maths assessment.

If you really want to impress us, why not show your enthusiasm and carry out some further research on the employer and the qualification you’ll be working towards! Links are provided below:

Employer Website: https://littletreaclesnursery.co.uk/

About the Qualification: https://www.ctskills.co.uk/apprenticeships/childcare

16 days ago

Apply Now
Nursery Nurse Apprentice

Leicester, Leicestershire, England

£8.50 - 8.50 per hour

Office Based

Nursery Nurse Apprentice @ Shanklin Day Nursery

Location: 443 London Road, Leicester, LE2 3JW

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Shanklin  Day Nursery?

Shanklin Day Nursery and Pre-school in Stoneygate, Leicester is a small, family run day nursery. They have been established since 1994 and provide a loving, stimulating and educational environment for children aged 0-5 years.

Their experienced and highly qualified staff ensure that every day is fun, interesting, and rewarding at Shanklin Day Nursery.

WHAT will I get from working with Shanklin Day Nursery?

  • EARN: £8.50 per hour, 40 hours per week
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday shifts between 7.30am and 6pm.
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Educator Level 3 takes approximately 18 months.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

This is an exciting opportunity for you to kick-start your career in childcare. You will be joining a friendly team and supporting with the care and education of young children. Your daily tasks will include:

  • Providing a safe, caring, stimulating educational environment.
  • Delivering an appropriate play based Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum that enables children to make individual progress.
  • Helping to ensure the preschool nursery meets Ofsted requirements at all times.
  • Understanding and working to preschool nursery policies and procedures, including how to deal with child protection issues appropriately and how to respond to incidents, accidents, complaints, and emergencies.
  • Planning activities which ensure each child is working towards the early learning outcomes.
  • Ensuring records are properly maintained, e.g., daily attendance register, accident and incident book, risk assessments.
  • Liaising closely with parents/carers, informing them about the nursery and its curriculum, exchanging information about children’s progress and encouraging parents’ involvement.
  • Working in partnership with senior management to update and review the self-evaluation and improvement plan.
  • Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed, in accordance with the preschool aims and objectives.
  • Minimum of 6 hours per week spent on apprenticeship work and training.

HOW does the Apprenticeship work?

Working towards your Early Years Educator Level 3 Qualification, you’ll attend monthly 1-2-1 meetings (online via teams every month – NO classroom OR college!) with your tutor and learn about modules including risk management, key person & attachment, learning & development, and more!  You will be given a minimum of 3 hours per week to complete any apprenticeship work (assignments, research, and projects) and will receive at least another 3 hours of training from your employer. All apprenticeship work and training is completed in the workplace, during working hours.

WHAT skills/qualifications do I NEED?

  • Minimum GRADE 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths & English
  • UK Residency – must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
  • Communication & team working.
  • Logical, organisation & initiative.
  • Creativity, problem solving, non-judgemental & patience.

What happens next?

If your application is successful, you will receive a call from our dedicated Recruitment Consultant who will discuss the qualification, location and course length in more detail. Following this call, you will be asked to write a supporting statement and complete an English and Maths assessment.

If you really want to impress us, why not show your enthusiasm and carry out some further research on the employer and the qualification you’ll be working towards! Links are provided below:

Employer Website: https://www.shanklindaynursery.co.uk/

About the Qualification: https://www.ctskills.co.uk/apprenticeships/childcare/

23 days ago

Apply Now

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