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

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

How We Support Your Recruitment And Team Development
Award-Winning Apprenticeship Success

Award-Winning Apprenticeship Success

Apprenticeships can help you develop new skills, build confidence and progress in your career. Kirsty's journey from Administrator to award-winning Team Leader demonstrates how workplace learning can support professional growth while making a real impact in the workplace.

Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance in your current role, apprenticeships provide a practical route to gaining recognised qualifications and valuable experience.

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

Real Stories From Employers And Learners

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

“

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.

“

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.

Current Vacancies

See more jobs
Apprentice Nursery Assistant

Castle Donington, Derbyshire, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Apprentice Nursery Assistant @ Nightingale Nursery

Location: 123 Park Lane, Castle Donnington, DE74 2RS

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Nightingale Nursery?

Nightingale Nurseries have spacious, comfortable, and enriching learning environments. They have been designed to facilitate stimulating and safe learning opportunities for children as they progress through the Early Years.

Each home room is warm, light, safe and inviting with interactive displays that celebrate the children’s successes and demonstrate their learning journeys. Over time they have built up a diverse bank of resources which means that they are able to follow the children’s interests and offer an individual learning experience for each child.

WHAT will I get from working with Nightingale Nursery?

  • EARN: £8 per hour, 32 hours per week.
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday, shifts between 7.30am and 6pm.
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Practitioner Level 2 takes approximately 16 months.
  • BENEFITS: Discounted childcare, social/team building events, long service benefits & free onsite parking.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will gain hands on experience in caring for children whilst also working towards and industry recognised qualification. This position will kick-start your career in childcare and allow you to watch a child’s first steps and be a trusted role model! Your daily tasks will include:

  • Helping to set up activities for the children.
  • Supporting children to engage in activities and participate with others.
  • Supporting children at mealtimes and assisting with eating/drinking.
  • Getting involved in creative and messy play with the children.
  • Helping children to sing, read, count, and join in with imaginative play.
  • Ensuring children are safe and supervised at all times.
  • Helping to plan activities and games.
  • Tidying away after an activity is finished.
  • Any other duties requested by the manager.
  • 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.
  • Communication & team working.
  • Organisation, initiative & problem solving.
  • Creativity & numeracy.
  • 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.nightingalenurseries.co.uk/

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

1 day ago

Apply Now
Apprentice Nursery Assistant

Castle Donington, Derbyshire, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Apprentice Nursery Assistant @ Nightingale Nursery

Location: 123 Park Lane, Castle Donnington, DE74 2RS

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Nightingale Nursery?

Nightingale Nurseries have spacious, comfortable, and enriching learning environments. They have been designed to facilitate stimulating and safe learning opportunities for children as they progress through the Early Years.

Each home room is warm, light, safe and inviting with interactive displays that celebrate the children’s successes and demonstrate their learning journeys. Over time they have built up a diverse bank of resources which means that they are able to follow the children’s interests and offer an individual learning experience for each child.

WHAT will I get from working with Nightingale Nursery?

  • EARN: £8 per hour, 32 hours per week.
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday, shifts between 7.30am and 6pm.
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Practitioner Level 2 takes approximately 16 months.
  • BENEFITS: Discounted childcare, social/team building events, long service benefits & free onsite parking.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will gain hands on experience in caring for children whilst also working towards and industry recognised qualification. This position will kick-start your career in childcare and allow you to watch a child’s first steps and be a trusted role model! Your daily tasks will include:

  • Helping to set up activities for the children.
  • Supporting children to engage in activities and participate with others.
  • Supporting children at mealtimes and assisting with eating/drinking.
  • Getting involved in creative and messy play with the children.
  • Helping children to sing, read, count, and join in with imaginative play.
  • Ensuring children are safe and supervised at all times.
  • Helping to plan activities and games.
  • Tidying away after an activity is finished.
  • Any other duties requested by the manager.
  • 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.
  • Communication & team working.
  • Organisation, initiative & problem solving.
  • Creativity & numeracy.
  • 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.nightingalenurseries.co.uk/

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

1 day ago

Apply Now
Early Years Apprentice

Endon, Staffordshire, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Early Years Apprentice @ Twinkle Tots of Endon

Location: Alder House, Station Road, Endon, ST9 9DR

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Twinkle Tots of Endon?

Twinkle Tots offers the very best care for all children. Their setting is proud of its fully equipped facilities and professional practitioners catering for all early year’s age groups in a homely environment. Their mission is to provide a child friendly environment where each child is valued, respected, feels safe and secure, and develops a positive well-being.

There is access to an exclusive and beautiful outside play area at the rear of the building nestling next to Endon Park. The outdoors is very important to everyone at Twinkle Tots, and they take daily walks down the canal. They provide a home from home, warm and welcoming environment with home cooked food and pride themselves in being rich in communication, ensuring that all staff and children feel heard and seen.

WHAT will I get from working with Twinkle Tots?

  • EARN: £8 per hour, 30 hours per week
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Shifts between 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Educator Level 3 takes approximately 18 months.
  • BENEFITS: Birthday off, Christmas party, casual dress, pay day pizza, free parking, discounted childcare, tea, coffee & juice provided, and ongoing training & development!

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will be supporting with the care of the children at Twinkle Tots. This is an exciting opportunity for you to work towards your Level 3 Early Years qualification and gain valuable experience in a friendly nursery environment. Your daily tasks will include:

  • Assisting with feeding, nap times, and hygiene practices.
  • Participating in or leading structured activities like crafts, music, and games.
  • Helping to set up learning environments with resources and completing observations.
  • Supporting children during outdoor play and outings.
  • Learning and applying strategies for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
  • 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.
  • Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Qualification (or equivalent).
  • Communication, team working, initiative & customer care.
  • Initiative, non-judgemental, patience & number skills.

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://twinkletotsnurseries.co.uk/home/

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

1 day ago

Apply Now

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