Childcare
What does a career in Childcare involve?
This Apprenticeship is for people who work with children – from birth to 16-year-olds (and their families) – in settings or services whose main purpose is children’s care, learning and development. Workers in this area make sure children are looked after, kept active, happy and nourished. They also help children develop social and practical skills.
This Apprenticeship gives people a fulfilling opportunity to work with children and young people while also gaining an understanding into the hows and whys of their development. Equally, it ensures candidates put childcare theory into practice.
As an apprentice, the exact nature of your job role will depend on your employer. The Level 2 Apprenticeship is for those working under supervision such as a nursery assistant or playgroup assistant working with children under five or an assistant playworker in an out of school setting. The Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship is for those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and/or supervising others, for example, a nursery nurse, playgroup leader or a childminder working in their own home.
After successful completion of this Apprenticeship there’s good scope for progression. You may move up through levels of work, for example, from nursery assistant to nursery manager. There are also opportunities to undertake further training or assessment.
What type of Job Role can this lead to?
Level 2 (Apprenticeship)
- Nursery Assistant
- Playgroup Assistant
Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship)
- Nursery Nurse
- Playgroup Leader
- Senior Playworker
- Childminder
What do I need to start?
1. Previous qualifications/training
No previous qualifications required, however you will be required to take a Key Skills initial assessment based on literacy and numeracy and attend a college interview.
2. A Job
You will need to have a Childcare related job and be employed for a minimum of 16.5 hours every week.
What will I get out of it?
1. Earnings
The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £2.50 per hour, however research has found that Apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. Research also shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
The starting salary (once qualified) is £12,000 - £16,000.
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
2. Prospects
Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost?
The government cover the full cost of training for 16-18 year olds and contribute towards costs for those aged 19 or above.
How do I apply?
Not sure if an Apprenticeship is right for you?
Call Employer Services on 01902 317691 for more information or to book an appointment with a Careers Advisor