A Career Built on Apprenticeships

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I want to take a moment to share my own story, highlighting how starting as a childcare apprentice in 2003 has shaped my career and led me to my current role as End Point Assessment Lead at Swift. It’s been a rewarding and exciting journey, and it all began with that first step into apprenticeships.

The Beginning: My First Job at 16

At just 16 years old, I landed my first paid role as an unqualified play worker after spending a year volunteering. During this time, I completed my NVQ Level 2 in Children's Care, Learning, and Education, and that was the spark that ignited my passion for working with children.

For the next five years, I worked in a variety of settings, gaining experience and honing my skills. From private nurseries as part of a large chain to children’s centres in some of London’s most deprived areas, I built a solid foundation in early years education. These experiences gave me a broad understanding of different environments and taught me how to adapt to diverse needs, making me even more passionate about my career.

Taking the Next Step: Level 3 and Beyond

After a few years, I knew I was ready to progress. I completed my Level 3 qualification and was offered a Deputy Manager position at a high-end setting in North London. My leadership journey had officially begun! Hungry for more, I quickly achieved my Level 4 in Children’s Care, Learning, and Education.

This opened up new doors, and soon I was juggling working in three services for a charitable organisation, including a play scheme, community SEN support, and my first role as manager of their preschool. It was an amazing role, one that challenged and inspired me every day. But as life moved on, so did I.

Inclusion and Play: Making a Difference

One of my most rewarding roles was as the Inclusion Coordinator at an adventure playground. Here, I worked with hard-to-reach children and families, using play to support children who were struggling at school, helping them to socialise, learn, and thrive. It was an incredibly fulfilling job, and I loved seeing the impact that play could have on children’s development.

This was also the time I became a parent. While I loved my role, the travel and hours weren’t compatible with family life, so I took a step back.

The Flexibility of Working in Childcare

One of the wonderful things about a career in childcare is the flexibility it offers. As a new parent, I was able to bring my own child to work with me. Whether I was working as a nanny, a childminder, or managing an after-school club, I could balance my career with raising my child – a rare blessing!

During this period, I also worked towards my training and assessing qualifications, a step that would shape the next phase of my career.

Training and Leadership: A New Passion

My next big step was with The Early Years Company, an early years consultancy specialising in leadership. This was where I discovered my passion for training. I started leading both online and in-person training sessions, while also working as a resource and content manager.

As my child started nursery and then school, I knew it was time for me to shift away from working directly with children and focus more on the bigger picture.

Joining Swift: The Next Chapter

In September 2023, I joined Swift as an assessor, and it has been an incredible experience so far. Now, as the End Point Assessment Lead, I am excited to see where my journey will take me next. I’ve had the privilege of working as both a childcare assessor and an end-point assessor, roles that allow me to support others on their own apprenticeship journeys.

It All Began with an Apprenticeship

Looking back, I can say with confidence that my career began with that very first apprenticeship. The opportunities that have come my way since completing my Level 3 have been incredible, and I continue to learn and grow in my role every day.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain valuable skills and open doors to exciting career paths. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for the next step in your career, there are endless possibilities waiting for you in the childcare sector – just as there were for me.

Interested in exploring how a childcare apprenticeship could shape your future or the future of your team? Swift offers a range of apprenticeship programmes that can help you unlock new opportunities and develop your career. Find out more about our Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and other exciting options today!

Roxy Sachdev - End Point Assessment Lead, Swift ChildCare