Early Years Educator Level 3 Apprentice
Location: Chertsey KT16 8AN
Hours: 30–40 hours per week
Salary: National Apprenticeship Wage
Job Type: Full-time Apprenticeship
Start Your Career in Early Years Education
Are you passionate about working with children and looking for a career where you can make a real difference?
Our Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn, gain valuable hands-on experience and work towards a nationally recognised qualification.
You don’t need previous childcare experience. Whether you’re a school or college leaver, considering a career change or looking to take your first step into the Early Years sector, this apprenticeship can help you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to develop a rewarding career in childcare.
You’ll work in a nursery or early years setting alongside experienced practitioners, while receiving structured training and support throughout your apprenticeship.
About the Nursery
Unicorn Childcare is a small, close-knit nursery providing a safe, caring and welcoming home-from-home environment for children aged 9 months to 4 years. With four dedicated rooms and freshly prepared home-cooked meals, the nursery is passionate about giving children the best possible start. Unicorn ChildCare is looking for a caring and enthusiastic apprentice to join its friendly team and is keen for the successful candidate to start as soon as possible.
What Does an Early Years Educator Apprentice Do?
As an apprentice, you’ll play an important role in supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Supporting children through play-based learning and activities
- Helping children develop their communication, social and emotional skills
- Creating a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment
- Supporting daily routines such as meals, rest periods and outdoor play
- Encouraging children’s independence and confidence
- Observing children’s development and contributing to progress records
- Building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues
- Working as part of an experienced Early Years team
- Following safeguarding, health and safety and nursery procedures
As you gain experience and confidence, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility and develop your skills as an Early Years professional.
Earn While You Learn
One of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is that you can gain a recognised qualification while receiving a salary and valuable workplace experience.
Alongside your practical training, you’ll work towards your Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification with support from experienced tutors.
Your learning will combine:
- Practical experience in an Early Years setting
- Structured online learning
- Tutor support
- Workplace mentoring
- Regular development and progress reviews
This combination of learning and practical experience helps you develop the skills employers look for in qualified Early Years Educators.
What We Offer
When you join us as an apprentice, you’ll receive:
Recognised Qualification
Work towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification while gaining practical experience.
Paid Employment
Earn the National Apprenticeship Wage while completing your apprenticeship.
Flexible Learning Support
Complete your learning through structured online training with support from experienced tutors.
Practical Experience
Develop real-world childcare skills by working directly with children in an Early Years setting.
Dedicated Support
Receive guidance and mentoring throughout your apprenticeship to help you succeed.
Paid Annual Leave
Receive paid holiday entitlement as part of your employment.
Career Development
Build the knowledge and experience needed to progress within the Early Years sector.
Who Is This Apprenticeship For?
You don’t need to have previous childcare experience or a childcare qualification.
This opportunity could be ideal if you are:
- A school or college leaver
- Looking for your first career
- Considering a career change
- Returning to work and looking for a new direction
- Interested in working with young children
- Looking to gain a recognised qualification while working
We are looking for people who are:
- Caring and patient
- Reliable and responsible
- Enthusiastic about working with children
- Willing to learn and develop
- Good communicators
- Able to work as part of a team
Most importantly, you should have a genuine interest in helping young children learn, develop and thrive.
Where Can This Career Take You?
Completing your Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship can be the first step towards a long-term career in Early Years education.
With the right experience and development, you could progress into roles such as:
- Early Years Educator
- Senior Early Years Practitioner
- Room Leader
- Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Deputy Nursery Manager
- Nursery Manager
Your apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to build practical experience, gain a recognised qualification and develop the confidence needed to progress within the sector.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship gives you something that traditional classroom-based study can’t always provide: real experience from day one.
You’ll learn while working alongside experienced Early Years professionals, allowing you to put your knowledge into practice and understand what it’s really like to work in a childcare environment.
You’ll also have the opportunity to earn a salary, gain a recognised qualification and build your professional experience at the same time.
Ready to Start Your Childcare Career?
If you’re enthusiastic about working with children and ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career, we’d love to hear from you.
Start your Early Years career today.
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