Nursery World - Special Focus: How apprenticeships are broadening their scope

Following recent changes designed to make EY apprenticeships more attractive, Karen Hart looks at the opportunities they provide for both trainees and settings

Hibah Ahmed: '‘My work in the nursery involves all areas of early years learning, care and development.'

For the many young people out there who already have first-hand experience in looking after children – and who also have a genuine affinity with them – a career in early years becomes a choice rather than default. Early years now offers more specialisms than ever before, and is crying out for individuals who are happy to grow in their roles.

Stronger apprenticeship routes are beginning to support this idea. In addition to their opportunity for hands-on training and on-the-job pay, recent changes have boosted their opportunities for skills development in the longer term.

Northampton University recently launched its Early Years, Childhood and Family Studies (Top-UP) BA Hons programme, which allow those with vocational qualifications to bridge the gap to a degree. Meanwhile, the Level 6 Early Years Teacher apprenticeship is nearing full approval.

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