A strong start to a promising childcare career

There’s no denying that apprenticeships are a terrific way to kickstart an incredible early years career. It can be tricky to determine your professional direction when first embarking on full-time working life.

Questions a career starter might ask themselves at this important, professional juncture are:

• What do I love?
• What am I good at?
• What qualifications do I need to succeed?

Employers looking to build robust teams might ask themselves:

• How can we build longevity into our teams?
• What can we do to ensure care excellence from our staff?
• What incentives are there for hiring apprentices?

Thankfully, The Childcare Company can answer all of these questions and more. In fact, the UK government has implemented a Youth Guarantee scheme to enable career starters to find their path, and employers to build content and capable teams without any additional burden on budgets – something childcare providers and early years educators always appreciate.

Take Ellsie Mae Barker for example. She was unsure which path to take after not gaining the grades she wanted in GCSE Maths and English. Inspired by her mother, and driven by her ability to connect with young parents and families, Ellsie saw an opportunity through apprenticeships, to begin her childcare career.

The Childcare company caught up with Ellsie to ask her about her UK early years apprenticeship experience, how it’s helped her to grow, and her hopes for the future.

The challenge: finding a route into childcare

Hi Ellsie! Great to catch up with you. Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

My name is Ellsie Mae Barker. I am a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprentice at Methodist Church Nursery.

Amazing! What made you decide to take this particular route into early years training?

Before starting this apprenticeship, I didn’t have any formal qualifications in early years. I was mainly gaining experience through different roles while working towards improving my Maths and English.

What made you choose this particular programme with The Childcare Company?

I feel really lucky to have found this apprenticeship. I chose this course because I’d previously failed my Maths and English, and needed qualifications to progress. My mum works at the nursery, and through her, I was able to get my apprenticeship and start building my skills.

Apprenticeship experience and learning

What stood out for you as a highlight of your apprenticeship experience?

One of the biggest highlights for me was being hands-on in the setting. I really enjoyed gaining practical experience while learning through real nursery work.

That’s the beauty of childcare apprenticeships – learning in real time, in real-world, early years environments. Was there anything that you found challenging at all?

It was sometimes difficult to juggle everything, especially on long days. I also prefer working independently rather than having regular online coach sessions; but I managed to work through it, and stay focused with the help of my Development Coach.

Apprenticeship reflection and impact

Now that you’ve completed the programme, how do you feel your apprenticeship has impacted you the most?

Looking back, I feel really good about completing the apprenticeship and getting through my End-Point Assessment (EPA). It means I can work in different settings, which is great. It has given me much more knowledge, confidence, and options for my future.

Have you noticed any changes in yourself and the way you approach your day-to-day work?

I’ve definitely noticed how much more confident I am, and my employer has noticed that too. I’ve always been good with people, but I think I’m better now than I was. I’ve taken on some new responsibilities, that I might have found nerve wracking before, but I’m excited about now. People talk about childcare apprenticeship career progression, and it’s true. These programmes open doors. I’m hoping that I’ll soon be able to move forward in my role. My new qualification is definitely a step in the right direction.

How apprenticeships benefit employers

How would you say Methodist Church Nursery has your employer has benefited from you completing your apprenticeship?

One of the benefits of apprenticeships for adults is that they don’t just benefit the learner. From my perspective, my employer has benefited from me completing the apprenticeship because I bring a younger outlook and fresh ideas to the setting. I feel that I connect well with younger parents, and I have good awareness of technology, which helps me support the children who enjoy using it as part of their learning and play.

Looking back: apprenticeship advice and value

What advice would you give to someone like you thinking about starting this apprenticeship?

I would tell them that it does take time, but if you’re interested, you should definitely go for it. It’s worth it in the end. It helps you secure your future.

How would you sum up your experience with The Childcare Company overall?

My experience has been really fun, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I now have more choices in how I can learn and progress. The apprenticeship has felt like a long journey, but it has definitely been worth it. I’m walking away with so much.

How apprenticeships benefit employers

Ellsie’s experience is just one example of how apprenticeships bring transformation for learners and employers alike. No matter what stage a person is at in their career, it’s possible to enable individuals to play to their strengths, helping employers to get the most out of their teams, and learners to achieve maximum job satisfaction and success.

The Childcare Company’s coach-led approach ensures:

• Content, capable teams
• Reduced costs
• Increased retention rates

For employers, this shows how apprenticeship training not only improves staff performance, but also enables the building of robust teams from the ground up.

Why people choose The Childcare Company

The delivery of the learning from our Development Coaches, coupled with our 99% success rates, free recruitment services, and positive outcomes for children and families across the UK, means that people continue to choose The Childcare Company as their childcare apprenticeship training provider.

Ellsie’s story is a prime example of how our apprenticeships can help career starters find their purpose and direction. With the UK government’s Youth Guarantee scheme, there has never been more apprenticeship opportunities for young people, or a better time for young people to enter the early years sector, and for employers to build and bolster the workforce of tomorrow.

The Childcare Company team is there every step of the way to help both learners and employers navigate the apprenticeship landscape. From identifying funding and money-saving options, to tailoring teaching to suit individual and employer needs, we always ensure an upskilling experience that proves positive for years to come – as Ellsie and her employer can attest to.

Learners: start your childcare apprenticeship. Employers: build a diverse, high-performing team with expert-led training. Reach out to The Childcare Company team today. Call 01753 596 004, or hit the button below.