Early years childcare practitioners are in high demand across the UK, especially as government initiatives aim to expand childcare access and support working families. According to the UK’s Department for Education, there were around 84,500 childcare providers in 2022, and the sector is expected to grow as more families require professional childcare services. In response to this growing need, apprenticeships are a first step for those looking to enter or upskill in the industry. Apprenticeships can provide a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, formal qualifications, and a rewarding career. If you’re considering this pathway, here are the top ten questions to ask yourself before applying.

Early years childcare can be highly fulfilling, but it requires a deep commitment to children’s well-being and development. Before applying for an apprenticeship, ask yourself if you have the patience, empathy, and enthusiasm to help nurture young minds. A career in childcare isn’t just a job; it’s about shaping the future of young lives.

Working in early years settings involves more than just playing with children. It includes ensuring their safety, providing emotional support, and helping them develop key skills. Think about if you are ready to take on the responsibilities of keeping children safe and helping them grow in a structured environment, and how you feel about the significance of that responsibility.

Childcare can be both physically and emotionally demanding. From lifting children to managing challenging behaviour, the work requires stamina and resilience. An apprenticeship will prepare you for these challenges, but it’s important to assess your current ability to cope with the demands of this field.

An apprenticeship can be the start of a lifelong career. The London School of Childcare Studies offers routes into roles such as nursery practitioners, early years educators, and even leadership positions in childcare settings. Do you see yourself growing in this profession, perhaps pursuing further qualifications or even opening your own childcare business one day?

Childcare is a field where regulations and best practices are constantly evolving. In an apprenticeship, you’ll gain qualifications, but the learning doesn’t stop there. You’ll need to stay updated on child development theories, safeguarding protocols, and new teaching techniques throughout your career. Are you ready to commit to ongoing professional development?

Early years settings rely on teamwork between practitioners, parents, and other professionals. Your apprenticeship will involve collaborating with a range of individuals to ensure the best outcomes for children. Do you enjoy working with others, and can you communicate effectively with both adults and children, not just for the duration of the apprenticeship, but as a key component of your future career?

Apprenticeships involve a combination of on-the-job training and formal study. You’ll need to manage your time between practical work in a childcare setting and attending training sessions or completing coursework. Make sure you’re ready to balance these commitments, as well as any personal or other professional responsibilities.

Early years practitioners play a crucial role in child development, guiding children through key stages such as language acquisition, socialisation, and motor skills. Ask yourself if you’re keen to learn more about the psychological and educational foundations of child development, as this knowledge will be central to your role and career moving forwards.

The London School of Childcare Studies, like many other apprenticeship providers, has specific entry requirements. You will typically need to have basic qualifications in English and Maths, and in some cases, a background check (DBS) is required due to the nature of working with children. Ensure you meet these criteria or are willing to take the necessary steps to become eligible. You can find out more about what is needed to apply for an apprenticeship in our Prospectus.

While apprenticeships are typically funded by the government or employers, and you will earn a wage during your training, it’s important to be prepared for any personal financial changes. You may start at a lower wage than you would in a different sector, or if you are changing careers, but you will likely benefit from increased earnings as you gain experience and qualifications.

Before applying for an apprenticeship in early years childcare, it’s important to consider these questions carefully, and to think about what the reality of an apprenticeship would mean for you and those in your life. An apprenticeship is a significant commitment of time and effort, which can lead to a rewarding career that makes a meaningful difference in children’s lives. The London School of Childcare Studies provides structured and supportive training programs that prepare you for a successful future in this thriving sector. If you’re passionate, dedicated, and ready for the challenges ahead, a career in early years childcare could be the perfect fit for you. Taking the time to reflect on these questions will help you be confident that you’re making an informed decision and are truly ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities an apprenticeship in early years childcare has to offer. Thinking of applying? Check out our prospectus and get in touch for a chat here.

An Early Years Childcare Apprenticeship is a rewarding way to gain practical experience and formal qualifications while working with young children. This career path is perfect for individuals who have a passion for helping children grow and develop during the most critical stages of their lives. But what exactly can you expect to learn during such an apprenticeship From acquiring essential childcare skills to understanding child development theories, an Early Years Childcare Apprenticeship covers a broad range of knowledge and hands-on experience. Let’s explore some of the key areas of learning.

A central aspect of any childcare apprenticeship is understanding how children develop. Apprentices will learn about the various stages of child development, focusing on physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth from birth to around five years old. This includes learning about developmental milestones—such as when children typically start to walk, talk, and engage with others—so that you can support each child’s individual progress.

You’ll also gain some insight and understanding into child psychology, looking at how children learn, think, and behave. This knowledge is crucial in helping you provide the right kind of support and guidance to foster a positive learning environment.

Another vital skill you’ll develop is the ability to create environments that are both safe and stimulating. As a childcare apprentice, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that the children in your care are always in a secure environment where they can explore and play freely.

You’ll learn how to design activities that promote learning and development, from sensory play to group activities that foster communication and social skills. In addition, understanding health and safety regulations, hygiene standards, and safeguarding procedures will be an important part of your training.

Play is a critical part of early childhood learning. During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to plan and lead a variety of play-based activities that stimulate different areas of development. You’ll discover how to use play to help children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and language abilities.

Whether it’s outdoor play, arts and crafts, or educational games, you’ll be encouraged to observe how children engage with these activities and to tailor them to individual needs. Learning how to balance structured and free play is an essential skill that supports children’s holistic development.

Working with young children requires strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. You’ll learn how to interact with children at their level, helping them feel understood, safe, and encouraged. Developing your ability to listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and guide children without overtaking their independence will be key.

Equally important is communication with parents and guardians. You’ll learn how to provide updates on a child’s progress, discuss any concerns, and build trusting relationships with families. This includes learning professional communication skills, record-keeping, and understanding confidentiality requirements.

A good Early Years Practitioner recognises and respects the diversity in children’s backgrounds, needs, and abilities. During your apprenticeship, you will be trained in inclusive practice—ensuring that every child, regardless of their cultural background, learning ability, or family situation, has the same opportunities to thrive.

This involves learning how to adapt activities for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), understanding different cultural perspectives on education, and promoting equality in your daily work. You will also learn about anti-discriminatory practices and how to ensure all children feel valued and included.

Childcare is rarely a solitary profession. You’ll be working alongside experienced early years practitioners, teachers, and sometimes other specialists such as speech therapists or social workers. Learning how to collaborate effectively in a team is another critical aspect of your apprenticeship.

In addition to teamwork, you’ll also learn professional conduct, including time management, organisational skills, and the importance of reflective practice. This means taking time to assess your own performance and identifying areas where you can improve.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a statutory framework in the UK that sets standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. A key part of your apprenticeship will involve understanding and implementing the EYFS. You’ll learn how to plan activities that align with the framework’s principles and how to assess children’s progress against EYFS criteria.

The EYFS framework emphasizes the importance of fostering key areas of development such as literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts. By learning how to work within this framework, you’ll ensure that you provide a well-rounded, high-quality educational experience for the children in your care.

In addition to the hands-on experience, an apprenticeship will offer you the chance to gain a recognized qualification in early years childcare. This could range from a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education to more specialised qualifications, depending on the nature of your apprenticeship. These certifications are highly valued by employers and can serve as a stepping stone to further education or career advancement.

Want more information about applying for an Early Years Childcare Apprenticeship? Head over to our dedicated Apprenticeship page and submit your details, and a member of the team will be in touch soon!

Starting an apprenticeship is a big decision, whether you’re starting a career for the first time or considering a career change. If you’re thinking about working in early years childcare, an apprenticeship could offer you practical experience, training, and a nationally recognised qualification.

But how do you know if it’s the right path for you? Below, we’ve shared some of the top key questions people considering an early years childcare apprenticeship ask, and some answers to help you understand more about what options are available to you.

An Early Years Childcare Apprenticeship combines hands-on work experience with academic study. You’ll typically work in a nursery, preschool, or other early childhood settings while studying towards a qualification, such as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or a Level 3 Early Years Educator.

The apprenticeship focuses on providing the skills and knowledge needed to work with young children, covering topics such as child development, safeguarding, and planning educational activities. The balance of on-the-job experience and structured learning ensures that you are fully prepared for a career in early years childcare. Apprenticeships allow you to earn-whilst-you-learn, so you are paid for the work you do, whilst still allowing you to gain knowledge and training for your nationally-recognised qualification.

No! There is no upper age limit for apprenticeships in the UK. Whether you’re 20 or 50+, you can apply for an apprenticeship.

People often associate apprenticeships with school leavers, but more adults are choosing apprenticeships to upskill or change their career paths. Apprenticeships are designed to be accessible for individuals at all stages of life. If you’ve spent years in another profession and want to transition into early years childcare, an apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain the qualifications and experience you need. Employers value life experience, and as a mature apprentice, your previous skills and knowledge can be a valuable asset in your new role.

An apprenticeship in early years childcare opens the door to a variety of career paths. With a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, you can pursue roles such as:

• Nursery Assistant – Working with children in nursery settings to support their development.
• Preschool Practitioner – Leading play-based learning activities for children aged 3-5.
• Childminder – Running your own business providing care in your own home.
• Teaching Assistant – Supporting teachers in primary school settings, especially in early years classes.
• Early Years Educator – Taking a more advanced role in shaping early childhood education programmes.

There is also the opportunity to progress to higher-level qualifications in childhood studies or early education, which can lead to leadership roles such as nursery management or becoming an Early Years Teacher. The skills you gain can also be transferable to careers in social work or child psychology.

Yes, there are various types of financial support available for apprentices in the UK. Apprentices earn a wage from their employer, but there are also additional grants and bursaries available to help with living costs, travel expenses, and childcare. Some examples include:

• Apprenticeship Bursary for Care Leavers: If you are aged 16-24 and have been in care, you may be eligible for a bursary of £1,000.
• Discretionary Learner Support: If you are struggling with financial hardship during your apprenticeship, you can apply for help with things like transport, meals, or equipment.
• Grants for Apprentices: Some local councils and employers offer grants to support apprentices in specific sectors, including early years childcare.

For more information on financial support, you can visit the official government apprenticeships site here, and a Google search for support available specific to your circumstance should help provide further insight into financial support you might be eligible for.

Absolutely! Apprenticeships are a great option if you’re considering a career change. Early years childcare is a rewarding and growing field, and employers are often keen to support individuals who bring diverse skills from previous careers.

Changing career paths can feel daunting, but an apprenticeship offers structured learning combined with the security of employment. You’ll earn a wage while training, so there’s no need to take time off for unpaid study. Many career changers find that an apprenticeship allows them to build the practical skills they need without having to commit to a full-time degree course.

Your previous work experience can also be an advantage. For example, if you’ve worked in customer service, management, or healthcare, these skills can be directly transferable when working with children and families. Many employers value apprentices who bring maturity and real-world experience to the job.

An apprenticeship is right for you if you:

• Enjoy working with children and want to play a key role in their development.
• Prefer learning through practical experience rather than just studying in a classroom.
• Are interested in a career where no two days are the same, and you can make a tangible difference in young lives.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking for a fulfilling career change, an apprenticeship can offer a flexible, supported pathway into a rewarding role in early years childcare.

Learn more about The London School of Childcare Early Years Childcare Apprenticeships here.

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.

The childcare sector is experiencing rapid growth. With both parents in many households working, the demand for high-quality childcare continues to rise. According to research from the UK Government, the childcare sector faces a shortage of well-trained staff to meet these needs. The pandemic has further exacerbated the strain on nurseries, early years settings, and parents who need skilled childcare professionals.

This shortage opens doors for individuals like you, who have a passion for working with children and are seeking a stable, rewarding career. Early years apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular as a route into the industry; they offer hands-on experience and accredited qualifications that are highly sought after by employers.

So, if you’re worried that your age might be a barrier to entry, don’t be. In fact, being more mature could be one of your greatest assets.

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.

No matter what your age, from early 20s, through to your 40s and beyond, when you apply for an apprenticeship in early years childcare, you’ll need a tailored CV that highlights and clearly demonstrates your passion for working with children, any directly relevant experience you might have, and clearly sharing the transferable skills you have gained from other roles, including volunteer work.

Whether you’re a young adult or transitioning into a new career later in life, creating a compelling CV is essential to securing an apprenticeship. We’ve shared how to put your CV together below, broken down into easy-to-follow blocks. 

Your CV should be no more than two pages long. Use clear, easy-to-understand language, and keep things focused on what is most relevant to your application.

Design should be clear, uncluttered, and you don’t need to include a photograph on your CV (it’s standard practice in some countries, but not the UK).

Before we start, your CV should always be formatted in the first person; “I have experience in”, not third person, “Chris Smith has experience in”.

1. Personal Information

• What to Include:
  • Your full name
  • Contact information (phone number and email address)
  • Location (city/town – you don’t need a street address)

• Why It’s Important:
  • Employers need to quickly contact you for interviews. Ensure your contact details are professional and up-to-date – no “hotstuff1999@gmail.com” emails!
  • Including your location helps recruiters and potential employers understand what your travel time looks like for you to get to your apprenticeship training location. 

2. Personal Profile

• What to Include:
  • A brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) sharing your career goals, passion for childcare, and why you’re applying for this apprenticeship.

• Why It’s Important:
  • This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and make an immediate connection. Tailor this section specifically to early years childcare, demonstrating your understanding of the sector and think about if you could only share this paragraph with a potential employer, what you would want to say to them.
  • Focus on qualities that align with childcare, such as patience, empathy, and communication skills.

3. Key Skills

• What to Include:
  • List skills relevant to childcare, both soft and hard skills.
  • Example skills:
    • Communication
    • Patience and empathy
    • Teamwork
    • Problem-solving
    • Knowledge of child development stages
    • First aid training (if applicable)

Why It’s Important:

• • The apprenticeship will involve direct interaction with children, parents, and other childcare staff. Showcasing relevant skills demonstrates that you’re ready for the hands-on nature of the role.
  • Tailor the list to what the apprenticeship is likely to require. Top tip – thoroughly review the prospectus of the apprenticeship to make sure you’re including all the relevant information you’ll need to support your application. 

4. Work Experience

• What to Include:
  • Any relevant work experience, especially roles involving childcare, education, or related areas such as healthcare or social work.
  • Even unrelated jobs can be useful—focus on transferable skills such as communication, customer service, or teamwork.
  • Include:
    • Job title
    • Employer’s name
    • Dates of employment
    • Key responsibilities and achievements in the role – Top Tip – don’t get stuck in a “responsibilities rut”, make sure you share your wins from each role. 

• Why It’s Important:
  • Employers want to see evidence that you have experience working with children or transferable skills that can be applied to the role.
  • Highlighting any volunteer work or caring for children, even within the family, can be beneficial if you have no formal experience.

5. Education and Qualifications

• What to Include:
  • List your most relevant qualifications, starting with the most recent.
  • Include the qualification, institution, and year of completion.
  • If you’ve completed any early years or childcare-related training, highlight it here.
  • If you’ve not yet completed formal qualifications in childcare, list any certifications (like First Aid) or courses relevant to the apprenticeship.

• Why It’s Important:
  • Many apprenticeships have minimum educational requirements, and this section helps employers verify that you meet those standards, and what additional support you might need from the apprenticeship if there are currently some gaps.
  • Early years childcare apprenticeships often require foundational qualifications, like GCSEs in English and Maths, or equivalent, so make sure to include these. 

6. Volunteering or Other Relevant Activities

• What to Include:
  • Include any volunteering or community-based work that demonstrates your commitment to working with children, or transferable skills. 
  • Babysitting or involvement in children’s clubs or groups (e.g., Scouts, sports teams) can also be mentioned.

• Why It’s Important:
  • For those without formal work experience, this section allows you to demonstrate your interest and dedication to childcare.
  • Volunteering shows initiative and commitment, traits that employers value in an apprentice.

When you finish your CV, ask someone else to proofread it to check for spelling and grammar errors – we hardly ever catch our own mistakes, so don’t worry if there are a few edits required!

If you follow the steps above, you’ll have a strong CV to support your apprenticeship application – good luck!