For many people, considering a career change once you have left education and have been in the working world for a while can feel daunting. Life may have moved on from your early years of work, and the idea of retraining in a new industry might seem like a step backward. Even if you have a strong interest in the area of work that an apprenticeship focuses on, you might find that you think of apprenticeships being “only for younger people”, and you might even ask yourself, “am I too old to be an apprentice?”.

Let us reassure you that it is never too late to change to the career path that is right for you! In fact, now is an ideal time to transition into a meaningful and rewarding career in early years childcare.

With an increasing need for qualified childcare professionals and the wealth of transferable skills you’ve likely gained throughout your career, starting an apprenticeship later in life could be a fantastic opportunity to start a career that you love, and that brings real value to those you work with.

Many people who are considering a mid-career switch into early years childcare already possess a wealth of experience, even if it’s not specifically in childcare. The soft skills you’ve honed throughout your career and life are not only transferable but are highly valued in the childcare industry.

For example, if you’ve worked in any of the following sectors, you already possess skills that will serve you well in early years childcare:

• Customer service: Working in retail, hospitality, or any service-oriented industry has likely helped you develop strong communication skills, patience, and empathy. These are essential when working with both children and their parents.
• Healthcare: If you’ve worked in nursing or caregiving, you’re already experienced in attending to the needs of others, staying calm in stressful situations, and providing a nurturing environment.
• Administration: Organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail are crucial in childcare, whether it’s creating schedules for the children, ensuring health and safety standards are met, or keeping accurate records.
• Education or training: If you have any experience in teaching, tutoring, or coaching, you’re already familiar with creating learning opportunities, managing groups, and fostering development; skills that translate directly into early years education.

Your life experience also brings benefits. Many older apprentices bring a level of maturity, stability, and understanding that younger apprentices may not yet have. Employers know that older candidates are often more reliable, focused, and less likely to be distracted by the uncertainties of early adulthood. Having raised children yourself or spent time with nieces, nephews, or younger siblings can give you an intuitive understanding of children’s needs, which is invaluable in a childcare setting.

If you’re thinking of applying for an early years childcare apprenticeship, check out our top tips on crafting a CV that will help your skills shine, no matter what your work history

One of the greatest misconceptions about apprenticeships is that they are only for school leavers or young adults. But today, more employers are looking for mature apprentices.

There are several reasons why employers value older apprentices in childcare:

• Professionalism and reliability: By the time you’ve been in the world of work for several years, you’ve likely developed a sense of responsibility and commitment that comes with years of experience in the workforce. Employers appreciate these qualities, knowing that you’ll approach the apprenticeship with dedication.
• Life experience: Your broader life experience enables you to relate to both parents and children in meaningful ways. You may be able to offer insight, patience, and a depth of understanding that comes from balancing personal responsibilities with professional life.
• Workplace readiness: You’re more likely to be able to handle the rigors of the workplace, including juggling multiple tasks, dealing with challenging situations, and working within a team.

Desire to learn: Employers also value apprentices who are eager to retrain and learn new skills, regardless of their age. It shows initiative and adaptability—qualities that are crucial in a dynamic field like early years childcare.

If you’re still on the fence about whether an apprenticeship is right for you, consider some of the key benefits:

• Earn while you learn: Unlike traditional courses where you pay tuition fees, apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while gaining practical experience. For someone changing careers, this can be particularly important, especially if you have financial responsibilities.
• Hands-on experience: Early years apprenticeships offer the chance to learn on the job, meaning you’ll gain real-life experience working with children, which is essential for building confidence and competence.
• Recognised qualifications: Upon completion, you’ll have a nationally recognised qualification in early years education, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 in Childcare and Education. These qualifications are essential for career progression in the industry and make you more attractive to potential employers.
• A direct route to employment: Many apprenticeship schemes result in a permanent job offer, as employers are keen to retain staff they have invested in training. Even if you decide to move on after your apprenticeship, the hands-on experience and qualification make you highly employable in other early years settings.

Starting an apprenticeship in your 30s or beyond is not a step backward. It’s an opportunity to redefine your career in a sector that’s crying out for skilled professionals. With the transferable skills you’ve already gained, your life experience, and your commitment to learning, you’re perfectly positioned to thrive in the childcare industry.

The London School of Childcare Studies offers a range of apprenticeship programs designed to support people just like you—people ready to embark on a new, fulfilling career path. The childcare industry needs compassionate, skilled professionals, and your age and experience could be your greatest asset in securing a successful future in this field.

So, are you too old to be an apprentice? Absolutely not. Now could be the perfect time for you to take the leap into a rewarding and enriching career in early years childcare. Ready to learn more about being an apprentice? You can check out and download our prospectus here and check out when our next free webinar about career pathways is here.