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

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.

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.

Current Vacancies

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Together, We’re Building
Something Better

At CT Skills, education is just the beginning. By connecting people, creating opportunities, and giving back, we’re proud to help develop both careers and communities.

Looking to learn, grow, or contribute? Let’s work together.

Get in Touch with Us