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.

Confetti

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
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/

in about 1 hour

Apply Now
Childcare Assistant Apprentice

Grantham, Lincolnshire, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Childcare Assistant Apprentice @ Wyndham Park Nursery School

Location: Hill Avenue, Grantham, NG31 9BB

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Wyndham Park Nursery School?

Wyndham Park Nursery School is a local authority-maintained nursery school. They are part of the Lincolnshire Maintained Nursery School Federation and a Greater Lincolnshire Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Partner. As a purpose-built nursery school for 2–4-year-old children, they offer high-quality early education and are staffed by qualified teachers, room leaders and support staff.

WHAT will I get from working with Wyndham Park Nursery School?

  • EARN: £8 per hour, 37 hours per week [Please note as a school they are open for 39 weeks of the year so you will receive equated pay, Equated pay guidance – Lincolnshire County Council ]
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: Monday to Friday, 7 hour shifts between 7.30am and 6pm.
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Practitioner Level 2 takes approximately 16 months.
  • BENEFITS: Term time only, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for non-teaching staff, Continuous professional development opportunities, and access to a free & confidential counselling service.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will be required to work in the classroom areas under the supervision of the Teachers, Room Leaders and Childcare Assistants.  This is a genuine opportunity to work within a high-quality maintained nursery school and could be the stepping stone for a future career in teaching or further into Early Years roles.  You will be regarded as a valued member of the school staff and expected to contribute to the success of a school that inspires young minds. If you believe in the power of play to shape little minds and big hearts, then this is the role for you!

The great thing about working with young children is that there is no typical day! You will laugh lots and get messy. You will spend time inside and outside in all weathers every day.

Some of the things you will be doing will be…

  • Supporting children on a one-to-one basis, in small groups or as part of a full class.
  • Getting creative in helping children to achieve their developmental steps.
  • Assisting with breakfast/lunchtime/after school clubs.
  • Helping with assessments and inputting of data.
  • Changing children as required and after training.
  • Administering basic first aid after training.
  • Organising and resourcing and keeping storage areas and the classroom tidy.
  • Assisting in planning and creating inspiring learning environments.
  • Preparing simple, healthy snacks.
  • Developing over time into a key person role.
  • Working inside and outside.
  • Contributing to planning and assessment.
  • Any other duties which are relevant to the smooth running of the nursery as directed by the Head of School or members of staff.

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.
  • Friendly, smiley & approachable.
  • Communication & team working.
  • Organisation, initiative & problem solving.
  • Creativity & numeracy.
  • Non-judgemental & patience.
  • Desire to make a positive difference to children’s lives.

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.wyndhamparknursery.co.uk/

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

2 days ago

Apply Now
Early Years Educator Apprentice

Netherfield, Nottinghamshire, England

£8 per hour

Office Based

Early Years Educator Apprentice @ Little Lion Cubs Nursery

Location: 88-92 Victoria Rd, Netherfield, Nottingham, NG4 2HH

PLEASE NOTE: This position is for immediate start.

WHO are Little Lion Cubs Nursery?

Little Cubs believe that creating a positive experience for children begins with having the right people around them. They are a team who genuinely care about the work they do and the difference they can make in the lives of young children.

Their approach is rooted in Bible Principles and values which reflects in the way they treat children, families and each other. They aim to create a workplace where people feel welcomed, respected and encouraged to contribute. They value teamwork, shared learning and the opportunity for individuals to develop their confidence, skills and experience.

WHAT will I get from working with Little Lion Cubs Nursery?

  • EARN: £8 per hour, 24 hours per week.
  • EXPERIENCE- your hours: 4 days per week, 6-hour shifts.
  • QUALIFICATION: Early Years Educator Level 3 takes approximately 18 months.
  • BENEFITS: Continuous professional development, valuable hands-on experience, and a supportive & encouraging workplace.

WHAT will my DAY look like?

You will be joining a friendly, supportive and welcoming team where everyone is valued, and you will have the opportunity to build a purposeful and meaningful career. This is an exciting role where you will be able to develop your skills in the Early Years sector and support young children. Your daily tasks will include:

  • Welcoming the Little Cubs and helping to create a safe, happy and nurturing environment.
  • Supporting children through play, learning, creative activities and outdoor experiences.
  • Helping with daily routines, including mealtimes, personal care and rest times.
  • Building positive, caring relationships with children and supporting their individual needs and development.
  • Working alongside experienced practitioners and learning from the wider team.
  • Observing children’s progress and contributing to their learning and development.
  • Communicating positively with colleagues and families.
  • Taking part in team activities, training and professional development.
  • Bringing your own ideas, creativity and enthusiasm to the children’s experiences.
  • Most importantly, having the opportunity each day to care, encourage and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Little Cubs.
  • 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 & customer care.
  • Attention to detail, organisation, creativity & initiative.
  • Problem Solving, non-judgemental & patient.
  • Comfortable working within the Biblical Principles, values and ethos of the nursery.

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://little-lion-cubs-nursery.co.uk/

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

9 days ago

Apply Now

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