Apprenticeships allow 16+ year olds to start work and earn a wage, while learning new skills that lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Advanced Apprenticeships are designed with the help of employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes apprentices through the skills needed to do a job well. Most of an apprentice’s training takes place on the job but they will also have to complete off-the-job training within college by day release or over a number of days in a block. Children and young people’s workforce apprentices work towards a nationally-recognised, work-based qualification.

The Apprenticeship is split into three pathways:

• Early learning and childcare
• Children’s social care
• Learning and development support services

It also covers the following:

• Employer rights and responsibilities
• Paediatric first aid
• Food hygiene
• Personal learning and thinking skills

Competition for places with employers can be fierce, so applicants will need to show that they are committed, happy to work as part of a team and individually, and able to use their own initiative. You must have experience within the children and young people’s workforce or a relevant level 2 qualification in childcare. If you are successful in enrolling on this course, you will be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) application form.

• You also need GCSE A-C in Maths or English or enrol and pass this before completing the NVQ
• You must be an EU citizen and have lived within the EU continuously for the last 3 years,
• You must not have a degree, HND, HNC, Foundation Degree or be studying towards any of these.
• You must be willing to sign up to our Apprentice scheme for 12 months.

An assessor will assess your practical competence by observing you in the workplace. You will also produce written assignments for your children and young people’s workforce portfolio. You will take GCSE in Maths & English and you will complete a workbook about employers’ rights and responsibilities.

At the end of the programme apprentices will have achieved:

• Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
• Employee Rights and Responsibilities
• Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

On successful completion of this course there are a number of opportunities for further study. It can lead to career progression within the children and young people’s workforce or progression on to foundation degrees or degree courses.

Depending on the pathway chosen, apprentices who have finished their training may be able to progress within careers in any of the following roles: pre-school assistant, nursery nurse, crèche assistant, day nursery assistant, children and families’ social worker, family court adviser, registered childminder and nanny, education support worker, youth worker, care home manager, and learning mentor. Please note, some of these roles may require further accreditation or training.