A strong return to working life thanks to apprenticeships

One thing The Childcare Company can tell you is that in all career journeys, there is a universal truth: sometimes, life takes over. Circumstances change. Families expand. The best laid plans go awry. It’s inevitable.

However, one thing that not many people who step away from working life for any period of time are aware of, is that apprenticeships offer a fantastic foot back in the door. Once upon a time, career gaps or a switch to part-time roles were questioned by employers with raised eyebrows. However, nowadays, they are simply an opportunity to recalibrate. Individuals gain clarity when life makes other plans for them. It can help them to realise what they really want out of a career; and employers love nothing more than an employee who knows what they want to achieve.

Take Heather Pratt, for example. She stepped away from her full-time early years career to raise a family. When the time came to return to work, she knew with more certainty than ever what she wanted to do, and through The Childcare Company, found a way to achieve it.

Our team sat down with Heather to talk about her UK early years apprenticeship experience, the impact it has had on her career and her life, and her plans for the future.

The challenge: returning to childcare after time away

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

Okay! Well, my name’s Heather Pratt. I completed the Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner – Residential Pathway apprenticeship. I work as a Support Worker.

What brought you to the early years sector?

I began my career in care at around age 26, supporting adults in the community. After that, I spent several years working as a Teaching Assistant in mainstream schools while my children were growing up. Around 18 months ago, I returned to community work, and have since been supporting children with complex needs as a Support Worker.

That’s terrific! What made you choose this particular programme with The Childcare Company?

I chose this apprenticeship as a personal goal. I wanted to achieve childcare apprenticeship career progression – something meaningful and broaden my knowledge, especially as so much has changed in the sector over time. The course has helped me put new learning into practice, deepen my understanding, and grow both personally and professionally. The residential care career path has been a very positive experience.

Apprenticeship highlights and challenges

Will you share a highlight of your apprenticeship with us?

A real highlight for me was the support from my Development Coach. They had such a positive impact on me and helped me feel more professional and capable. For me, completing this apprenticeship feels like a real achievement, and I am genuinely happy with the whole experience.

Did you face any challenges during the programme? If so, how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was navigating APTEM. I’m not very experienced with computers. I found the system confusing at first. However, my Development Coach gave clear explanations and guidance that helped me overcome the barriers I was facing.

Apprenticeship experience and impact

Looking back on your apprenticeship experience, how has helped you most of all?

This professional development apprenticeship has helped me grow in confidence and supported my progression. I have now become a Key Worker, which has given me a greater sense of responsibility and pride. I feel extremely lucky to have had this opportunity. It has strengthened both my professional skills and my self-belief.

Which of your new skills or parts of the course do you notice yourself using the most in your day-to-day work?

Pretty much everything!

What has your apprenticeship done for you as a professional in the early years sector?

My confidence has skyrocketed. I’ve taken on more responsibilities in my new Key Worker role. My employer has noticed an improvement in the ways I communicate. I feel like I’m a better professional for having done it.

How apprenticeships benefit employers

From your perspective, how has your employer or organisation benefited from you completing the apprenticeship?

I believe my employer has benefited from my increased knowledge and confidence. I now have a much clearer understanding of professional practice and can apply new approaches to support both the children I work with and my team. My improved communication and organisational skills also help me work more effectively day-to-day.

Advice for apprentices and reflection

If someone was thinking about starting this apprenticeship, what would you say to them?

Any advice? My advice would be don’t get overwhelmed. There are a lot of modules, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Break your time up, stay organised, and remember that the staff are incredibly supportive. You will finish the course with so much knowledge and feel proud of what you’ve achieved. I came into this as a mature learner. I did it, so you can too.

How would you sum up your apprenticeship experience overall?

I’ve had a great time completing this apprenticeship. It has had a really positive impact on my mindset. I feel more professional. I now see things from a much more informed perspective. My understanding and confidence have grown, my communication has improved, and I feel far more employable. I’m now ready to take on new opportunities that come my way.

Why people choose The Childcare Company

Heather’s journey is testament to the fact that apprentices are people of all ages, and stages of career. People who step away can utilise apprenticeships to integrate themselves back into working life, and employers are all the better for gaining fresh talent for their teams.

The Childcare Company’s coach-led approach ensures:

• Qualified, confident employees
• Excellent care quality
• Robust, resilient, future-proof teams

For learners, this equates to job satisfaction, high morale, and feeling valued. For employers, this means increased retention rates, improved outcomes, and stability for service users. Add free recruitment services and ongoing support into the mix, and you have more than a childcare apprenticeship training provider. You have a partner in success.

Heather’s ability to effectively step back into working life, and end up in a stronger position than before the break, is truly a testament not only to her own resilience, but to the power of apprenticeships. These programmes make progress possible.

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.