Early Years Apprenticeships
- Learn on the job in an early years setting
- Get paid while gaining a recognised qualification
- Build skills that can lead to more senior roles
What you’ll do as an apprentice
You’ll work with children aged 0 to 5 in places like nurseries and pre-schools. You’ll support play, learning and development, with training alongside your role.
Level 2 & 3 apprenticeships
For people new to early years.
Gain a recognised qualification while working in a nursery or pre-school.
Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
A route for people ready for a bigger step.
Train, work and qualify as an Early Years Teacher.
Full details on each apprenticeship:
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Level 2 may be more suitable for those leaving school at 16. It allows you to work in an early years setting under supervision. It is an excellent entry point into the sector.
- Equivalent to GCSEs
- Ideal if you’re leaving school at 16 or want a solid entry point
- Work under supervision in a nursery or preschool
- Gain essential skills and knowledge to start your career in the sector
Find out more about Level 2 and 3 Early Years Apprenticeships here
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 3 may be more suitable for those who want to plan, organise and lead learning activities, and perhaps supervise others.
Equivalent to A Levels
- Great if you want to plan and lead learning activities
- Take on more responsibility and maybe supervise others
- Build a stronger foundation for a long-term career in early years
Find out more about Level 2 and 3 Early Years Apprenticeships here.
Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship
To become an early years teacher, you need to have Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can gain EYTS through two different routes: Early Years Initial Teacher Training or the new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.
The Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship enables you to train, earn, and qualify as an Early Years Teacher with EYTS – and you don’t need a Level 6 qualification to get started.
You can apply if you have:
- any Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A Level) *
- GCSEs in English, maths, and science (grade C/4 or above)
- lived in England for the last 3 years or more
If you do not have a GCSE in English or Maths, you might qualify for a free course to improve your skills to gain them.
*We recommend that trainees hold a Level 3 qualification to demonstrate a minimum level of educational attainment. However, if someone does not have this, they may be able to demonstrate equivalence through an appropriate assessment, at the discretion of training providers.
How this qualification helps your career:
Whether you’re just starting out your career or already working in early years, this qualification gives your career a boost to gain Early Years Teacher Status and unlocks new opportunities across the sector.
You’ll be qualified to work as an early years teacher in:
- Private, voluntary and independent nurseries
- Independent school infant classes
- Academy and free school nursery classes
It’s also a great fit for childminders, and can support you to assist in maintained nursery schools.
You’ll learn how to:
- design a curriculum, plan and deliver learning and assessments,
- lead teams,
- work with families and agencies,
- establish a culture to promote child health, safety and wellbeing,
- and help run and improve an early years setting.
Find out more:
Ready to find your fit?
There’s an early years apprenticeship with your name on it.
Apprentices in action
From building confidence to making a difference in children’s lives – find out what it’s really like being an early years apprentice.
Working in early years and childcare
Explore the many different types of roles in early years and childcare.
Help and support
Wondering where to start? Our team can help – head to the support page for more info.
