The Value of Early Years Apprenticeships

‘Early Years’ refers to the transformational period of a child's life from birth to the age of eight. This is a crucial time for a child's development, as it is during these early years that they learn and develop important cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Early years education and care are therefore vital to ensure that children receive the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential. The focus of early years education is typically on providing a safe and nurturing environment that encourages exploration, learning, and development through holistic-provision and play-based learning.

Apprenticeships in Early Years education can take place in a range of settings, including nurseries, childcare facilities, preschools, and hospitals. With Skern Training and Skills, learners can qualify for a Level 2 Practitioner, Level 3 Educator, up to a Level 5 Lead Practitioner. Our experienced team offer high quality training ensuring an apprentice attains the specific knowledge, skills & behaviours required to succeed in this role. Not only do you get practical learning experience, earn-while-you-learn incentives and opportunities for career advancement, Early Years can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path with numerous benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of becoming an Early Years apprentice with STS.

1. Making a Difference in Children's Lives

One of the most significant benefits of working in early years is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young children. You will be responsible for supporting their development and learning, helping them to build the skills they need to succeed in life. It’s essential to provide support for children, parents, and carers during these years to ensure a positive impact on the development of children thereafter. Therefore, your skills can help change lives, making a difference to the physical and mental health of future generations.

2. A positive and fulfilling work environment

Working in early years can be a highly satisfying career path. As an influential role in a nurturing environment, you can make a positive impact on young children's lives every day through a proactive work ethic. Seeing their progress and growth over time is a fulfilling aspect of the role. Early years settings are typically warm, welcoming, and supportive environments that foster collaboration and teamwork. You get the opportunity to work with other passionate and dedicated professionals who share your commitment to supporting young children's growth and development.

3. Professional Development

Working in early years can be an excellent stepping stone for career advancement in the education sector. Our apprenticeships provide you with valuable experience and skills that can be transferred to other roles, such as teaching, curriculum development, or leadership positions. We offer Early Years apprenticeships in Level 2 Practitioner, Level 3 Educator, and Level 5 Lead Practitioner, so there is major opportunity for career advancement. Our apprenticeships are also tailor-made, and we really mean it. Every aspect of delivery is unique, we cater specifically to the agile needs of your organisation to ensure objectives are met. We take the time to get to know your business so that we can incorporate your culture, vision and values into content to ensure each apprenticeship fits in seamlessly, and you get the results you want.

4. Creativity in practice

Working in early years allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility. With additional experience, Practitioners can become Educators who will directly influence children through playful and engaging teaching methods, as well as have the opportunity to manage Early Years settings. Those who develop their skills in the sector appropriately will further have the opportunity to design activities, create new ways of teaching and learning, and manage the overall support systems in place within a range of childcare settings. Lead Practitioners are responsible for developing and implementing curriculum plans that are appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the children in their care. This includes planning activities, creating learning resources, and setting goals for children's learning and development, developing themselves in an independent and self-directed role.

Inspired? Discover more about Skern Training and Skills’ Early Years apprenticeships here.

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