According to Realise, a training provider, the number of Level 2 apprentices in early years has declined by 5 per cent over the last three academic years – from 6,972 in 2021-22 to 6,457 in 2023-24.
It says research also shows 72 per cent of settings spent more on agency staff in 2024 than the two years prior.
Realise is now urging settings and the Government to place a ‘renewed focus’ on Level 2 apprentices.
Just last month, the chief executive of CT Skills, Alex Ford, called for funding for Level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s degree) apprenticeships to be removed to free up more money for Level 2 and Level 3 early years apprenticeships, which helps get people into the industry.
CT Skills, also a training provider, is using National Apprenticeship Week to promote and celebrate apprenticeships, which ‘lend themselves’ very well to the early years as they provide learners with lots of practical experience.
'Investing in and nurturing a Level 2 apprentice brings numerous positives'.
Karen Derbyshire, operations director for early years at Realise, said, ‘Level 2 apprentices are the future of the industry – and potentially the nursery managers of the future – and that’s why we are so determined to deliver on our pledge of 200 new Level 2 apprentices.
‘The recruitment crisis in early years poses some of the biggest headaches for nursery managers and we totally understand that opting for agency staff is a quick fix and sometimes necessary to keep the doors open.
‘However, for the long-term good of the setting and business, investing in and nurturing a Level 2 apprentice brings numerous positives.
‘I’d strongly urge all nurseries to think about the long-term gains rather than the short-term wins and opt for Level 2 apprentices over agency staff.’
