Early years & education
Our early years apprenticeships are designed to support both individuals beginning or advancing their careers and employers looking to develop a skilled, confident workforce. A career in childcare is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. Our programmes combine hands-on experience in real childcare settings with recognised qualifications, helping to build practical skills, knowledge, and confidence while supporting high-quality provision across the sector.
Early years apprenticeships & career pathways
We offer three apprenticeship pathways: Early Years Practitioner (Level 2), Early Years Educator (Level 3), and Early Years Lead Practitioner (Level 5). Each programme blends workplace learning with structured training and ongoing support, enabling learners to progress and employers to strengthen their teams.
With strong demand for qualified early years professionals across nurseries, schools, and childcare providers, these apprenticeships provide a clear route for career development while helping organisations recruit, train, and retain talent.
The facts
There are over
368,000
paid staff working in early years and childcare settings across England, supporting children from birth to school age.
There are over
3,100
nursery schools in the UK, focused on preparing young children for transition to primary education.
Across the UK, around
1.29m
registered childcare places are offered by early years providers.
Across the sector,
98%
of early years and childcare providers are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.
Apprenticeship Courses
The benefits of an apprenticeship
Employer benefits
By investing in apprenticeships, early years providers can:
- Identify and develop future leaders within their team
- Attract motivated staff committed to a career in early childhood education
- Strengthen workplace culture through clear progression and internal opportunities
- Deliver high-quality, standards-led training that meets early years education requirements
Education and Early Years apprenticeships provide tailor-made training programmes, structured learning, and transferable skills that support long-term success. With well-trained apprentices bringing essential knowledge and practical expertise, employers can confidently elevate the quality of care and education across their setting.
Apprentice benefits
- Gain industry-recognised qualifications and hands-on experience in childcare while earning a salary and without paying tuition fees
- Work with children from birth to school age, supporting learning through play, sensory activities, and routine care
- Develop essential skills in early childhood education, safeguarding, communication, and child development
- Enjoy a varied and rewarding role where every day is different and no two children are the same
- Access a wide range of career opportunities, including nursery nurse, childcare worker, nursery teaching assistant, youth support worker, or self-employment
- Experience high levels of job satisfaction, helping children of all backgrounds and abilities reach their full potential
- Receive ongoing support from a dedicated mentor, with regular feedback and guidance to progress your early years career
- Benefit from a blend of workplace learning and classroom-based training, with added experiential learning opportunities through Skern Skills
- Improve long-term employability with high-quality training that meets early years education standards
The value of early years apprenticeships
FAQs
Most early years apprenticeships take between 12 and 24 months, depending on the level.
You will typically earn the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, which are nationally recognised. You may also gain functional skills in English and Maths if you need them.
Your training will be a mix of practical, hands-on experience with theoretical education. You’ll learn about child development, safeguarding, health and safety, play and learning, and more.
Following your apprenticeship, your employer may decide to keep you on in your role, however this depends on their needs and your performance throughout your apprenticeship.
Yes. Apprentices receive a salary from their employer throughout the programme. Pay can vary depending on the employer and apprenticeship level.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive ongoing support and mentoring from experienced workplace staff and Skern Skills assessors. This includes regular reviews, feedback, and personal development support to help you build skills, confidence, and progress successfully through your apprenticeship.
An early years apprenticeship with Skern Skills is a practical, cost-effective way to build a rewarding career in childcare and early years education. Whether you’re starting out at Level 2, progressing to Level 3, or developing leadership skills at Level 5, our apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with recognised qualifications.
You’ll earn a salary while you learn, gain real-world experience in an early years setting, and receive ongoing support from experienced practitioners and assessors. Our programmes help you build confidence, develop essential childcare skills, and progress into roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, or Lead Practitioner.
An early years apprenticeship offers clear career progression, long-term employability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
Early years apprenticeships are ideal for school leavers, career changers, and existing childcare staff who want to build or progress a career in early years education and childcare. They suit people who enjoy working with children, communicating with families, and developing practical skills in a real early years setting.
You don’t need previous experience to apply. Whether you’re new to childcare or already working in a nursery or school, an early years apprenticeship provides structured training, hands-on experience, and recognised qualifications to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Yes. When you take part in an early years apprenticeship, you’ll develop transferable skills in areas like communication, teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and safeguarding awareness. These skills are highly valued in sectors like education, health and social care, community work, and across a wide range of roles that involve supporting people and working in professional teams.
Many early years apprentices go on to become early years practitioners, educators, teaching assistants, and family support assistants. With experience, you’ll also have opportunities to move into more senior roles such as room leaders, nursery managers, and SEND or inclusion leads.
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