Level 3
Early Years Educator, Apprenticeship
If you aspire to work with children, this apprenticeship offers an invaluable opportunity to turn your passion into a fulfilling career. Throughout this apprenticeship, you will acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become a skilled and compassionate early years educator. From fostering a safe and stimulating learning environment to designing engaging activities and supporting children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth, this apprenticeship equips you with the tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners. By collaborating with experienced professionals and immersing yourself in real-world settings, you will gain invaluable insights and become a confident practitioner in the field.
An apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to acquire industry-specific qualifications and valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary. You’ll gain first-hand industry experience and practical skills that make you highly employable and give you a head start in your career.
You will become a member of our Education Career Excellence Hub. Through our extensive network of partnerships with schools and nurseries, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, applying what you've learned in a real-world setting. You will also be offered a range of guest lectures and workshops delivered by industry professionals. Our unrivalled exposure to employers will enable you to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring you are well-prepared to secure your first post, or take the next step in your career.
WHAT DOES THIS COURSE INVOLVE
This apprenticeship is designed to develop your workplace skills and knowledge as an early year’s educator. You will attend College one day a week to gain vital background knowledge in a variety of sector-related subjects.
Topics you will study include:
- Child and young person development
- Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
- Supporting positive behaviour
- Partnership working in services for children and young people
- Health and safety, supporting positive environments
- Child development
- Practical care
- Planning and implementing activities
- Observation
As part of this study programme, you will develop your maths and English skills and you will need to pass Level 2 functional skills and paediatric first aid by the end of your apprenticeship. All aspects of your study programme will be discussed at your interview.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
We’ll assess your practical skills, projects, and workplace performance. There will be an end-point assessment consisting of a professional discussion, workplace observation and a knowledge test.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
You could progress to a role in a range of settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, and schools. On successful completion of your Level 3 you could then increase your skills with a degree at University Centre Weston in:
- BA (Hons) Early Years
- BA (Hons) Education, Society and Childhood
- BA (Hons) Send and Inclusive Practice
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will need a Level 2 early years qualification and maths and English at level 1. You will also need to be in relevant employment, but we can help you find this. On enrolment your employer will require you to undertake a DBS check.
To be an apprentice, you will need to find a suitable employer. Click here for advice: How to Apply for an Apprenticeship | Weston College
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
- Ready to apply – please use the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this page.
- I’d like to visit and see the facilities and chat to staff – see when our next open event is here: [EVENTS | Weston College] (https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events)
- I have a quick question – use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.