Apprenticeships From Both Sides
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Apprenticeships From Both Sides
Apprenticeships are a popular route to train staff in Early Years settings. They are a practical way to learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed in caring for children. As an apprenticeship provider, we wanted to know how it not only benefitted the apprentice, but how the employer felt it helped the nursery. We interviewed Daisy, head of Alphablocks nursery, and their apprentice Natalie, to find out both sides.
What the Employer Thinks
Hi I am Daisy. I have been head of Alphablocks Nursery for 3 years. We hired our first apprentice in September 2022 and have just employed our second who started in January 2023.
Why did you decide to train staff using apprenticeships?
We were trying to recruit and found that many of the candidates did not seem to have a passion for early years. We thought we would try an apprentice and see how they are. We were happily surprised and felt that the best way to move forward was to develop our own team with people that were new and eager to be in early years.
How have apprentices fit into your nursery's schedule?
Very well, they have been very adaptable so far and hard working.
How do you see apprenticeships benefitting your setting?
They are fresh and new faces to the industry, ready to learn and grow with the nursery. They are eager and open to reflective practice.
How did you recruit your apprentices?
Best Practice Network helped us to hire two of our apprentices through advertising and sending us their CVs. We then interviewed them and so far, the two candidates have been very positive.
Do you think you will hire more apprentices in the future?
Yes definitely! So far our experience with apprentices coming through has been fantastic, they have had such passion for early years it has been great.
What the Apprentice Thinks
Hi I am Natalie. I am completing the Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship and started in September 2022.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
I had my daughter when I was 19 and never pursued my learning afterwards. Now I have 3 children, I thought this was the best time to start a career for myself.
What is your favourite part of the apprenticeship?
I’m enjoying it all so far. It is really rewarding.
How has it helped you with the role you have today?
So far it has helped a lot! I knew nothing about what an early years educator did until I started at Alphablocks. I am still only 4 months into my apprenticeship and eager to learn a lot more.
What would you like to do once you have completed your apprenticeship?
I would like to continue working at Alphablocks and complete a forest school course once my apprenticeship has finished. I would like to work up and complete my level 5 apprenticeship in the future.
What advice would you give someone thinking about an apprenticeship?
You are never too old to start a career for yourself. Just go for it, what have you got to lose?
What skills for life have you learnt through your apprenticeship?
I have learnt what safeguarding entails within the early years sector.
