A is for Apprenticeships – The ABC of Nursery Management
Hire an apprentice and invest in the future, by getting talent that’s right for you. It’s easier than you think: if you are a smaller employer, you are eligible for government funding which will pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs. If you are a large employer, you can use your levy to pay for your apprenticeship training. Apprenticeships are suitable for people at any age and any level so you can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, allowing you to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
One of the biggest challenges in the early years sector is the shortage of qualified childcare professionals. Research indicates that a key factor in providing high-quality early childhood education is maintaining a low staff turnover rate.
Whether it’s upskilling an existing employee or recruiting fresh talent, apprenticeships present a promising solution, offering a pathway for individuals to enter, stay, and excel in the sector.
In the early years, we are fully aware that the skills of our employees are extremely important. A professional, skilled, and dedicated workforce in the early years is crucial for supporting positive life paths for our children. Retaining our employees ensures productivity and growth within the company.
It’s crucial for our sector to fully grasp the transformative potential of apprenticeships in addressing workforce shortages. Apprenticeships offer a real focus on expanding the understanding of just what the role entails and the career progression opportunities available.
We want to ensure childcare is viewed as a worthwhile career choice and a profession
In numerous discussions, the apprenticeship path in early years education is frequently overlooked as a valuable and highly significant career choice. It is vital that this perception changes in order to recruit and retain staff.
Analysis of government data indicates a positive trend in individuals entering the early years sector.
According to recent data, the number of new starters on entry-level apprenticeship routes has more than tripled over the last three years, from 6,590 in 2020 to 21,630 by the end of 2023. Even more promising, early figures for 2024 indicate a continuation of this trend, with one key entry apprenticeship, the Level 3 Early Years Educator, emerging as the most popular apprenticeship nationwide, attracting 7,770 new recruits in three months.
Apprenticeships not only address immediate staffing needs but also contribute to long-term employee retention. Research highlights the connection between low staff turnover and the provision of high-quality early years education. By investing in apprenticeships, from those new to the sector to existing teams up to level six apprenticeships and above we send a powerful message to our existing employees: we’re committed to their professional development and growth.
Moreover, apprenticeships align with values of diversity and inclusion, enabling us to cultivate a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Through mentorship and hands-on experience, apprentices gain invaluable insights that complement classroom learning whilst recognising the importance of nurturing a skilled and engaged workforce, as they play a pivotal role in shaping positive life trajectories for children.
As a sector we celebrate the richness of diversity and actively promote inclusive cultures. From encouraging equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to championing gender diversity in the workforce, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Benefits of hiring an early years apprentice
- Tailored training: apprentices receive specialised training that aligns with your setting’s specific needs and practices. This ensures they develop the skills and knowledge that are most relevant to your environment.
- Fresh perspectives: apprentices often bring new ideas and fresh approaches to the setting Their recent training often includes the latest research and best practices in the field.
- Cost-effective apprentices often work for a lower wage while they learn, reducing overall staffing costs.
- Enhanced support: having an apprentice can provide additional support to the existing team allowing for more individualised attention and care for children.
- Long-Term investment: by training apprentices in your setting, you create a pool of well-trained potential future employees who are already familiar with your practices, culture and values.
- Meets staffing requirements: apprentices can support mandatory staffing ratios, ensuring that you comply with regulations and provide safe, high-quality care and education
- Promotes career development: hiring apprentices supports the development of the next generation of early years educators, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the sector.
- Practical learning: apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with academic study, ensuring that apprentices gain practical, hands-on experience that is directly applicable to their roles.
Expanding access to childcare isn’t just a governmental initiative; it’s a collective endeavour that requires collaboration and innovation. By investing in apprenticeships and championing diversity and inclusion, we’re not only addressing immediate staffing needs but also building a sustainable future for our children and communities. From school leavers to new graduates, career developers to changers, apprenticeships develop well-trained, highly skilled staff that bring real and measurable value to the early years sector.
As a sector, we must commit to unlocking opportunities and bridging the gap in childcare access, one apprentice at a time.
If you already have a job in the early years and would like to undertake an apprenticeship qualification to improve your skill set, knowledge, and career prospects, fill out the online enquiry with Kids Planet Training Academy.
The ABC of Nursery Management
- FREE Download
Share this article
About the Author
Gill Mason, Training Academy Director at Kids Planet Day Nurseries since 2018, is a senior leader in vocational education, dedicated to transforming lives. An honorary City and Guilds member, she was Nursery World Trainer of the Year 2019, and serves on the boards of Open Awards and PETC England.