With National Apprenticeship Week taking place from 10-16 February, it’s the perfect time to shine some well-deserved light on the transformative role of apprenticeships in shaping skilled professionals.

Apprenticeships offer people practical, hands-on experience in a supportive environment, enabling them to learn on the job while working towards the qualifications needed to advance their careers. This pathway plays a crucial role in cultivating a skilled and dedicated Early Years education workforce.

Grandir UK has been a trusted name in the childcare industry for over 25 years, and in November they won the award for Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year at the National NMT Nursery Awards 2024! Grandir UK’s apprenticeship programme is a prime example of how to create impactful apprenticeship opportunities that prioritise community while achieving an effective balance between practical experience and academic learning.

This blog will share some insight and advice on the elements needed to build a successful apprenticeship programme, drawing from Grandir UK’s model.

Why apprenticeships matter in early years education

There is a growing need for qualified early years practitioners who are passionate about what they do, and apprenticeships aim to address this demand. In the early years setting, every interaction contributes to a child's development, so it's important that there are well-trained and passionate practitioners available to support every child’s important learning journeys.

With that said, it’s not all about supply and demand. It’s vitally important that every apprentice feels valued and has a community to fall back on. Cathy Agozzino, Grandir UK’s Apprenticeship & Learner Co-ordinator, notes: “It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about nurturing talent, fostering community, and ensuring that every apprentice feels valued and supported throughout their journey.” After all, happy, fulfilled staff deliver excellent early years education and care.

Key elements of a successful apprenticeship programme

Clear structure

Having a clear structure behind an apprenticeship programme is fundamental in contributing to its overall success. This should balance both academic and practical learning, ensuring apprentices gain a diverse range of experience. For example, at Grandir UK, apprentices undergo hands-on training at their chosen nursery under the supervision of skilled practitioners and receive 6 hours of off-the-job training to focus on their academic training – the best of both worlds!

Efficient tracking

Whether it’s regular check-ins, performance evaluations, feedback sessions (or all the above), it’s crucial that there are efficient methods in place to track the progression of apprentices. Cathy adds: “One of the cornerstones of a successful apprenticeship programme is the ability to track each apprentice's progress closely. With a diverse group of apprentices, we recognise that everyone comes with unique skills, aspirations, and challenges.” 

She elaborates that this might be aided by putting a system in place that allows apprentices to access learning materials and track their progress. “Using a sophisticated tracking system, we ensure that every apprentice has access to resources and learning opportunities that align with their career goals. This data-driven approach allows us to identify strengths and areas for improvement, making it possible to tailor the apprentice’s journey/experience to fit their needs. Tracking shouldn’t just apply to apprentices themselves; it should also apply to the programme. Collecting regular feedback from apprentices on how they’re finding the programme, and its delivery helps identify key areas of improvement and keeps the programme dynamic."

Tailored support and community

There will likely be moments during an early years apprenticeship where an apprentice feels unsure of something. This is why having a clear and available support network ready to step in and assist really makes a difference. For instance, each Grandir UK apprentice receives support and guidance from an appointed nursery mentor alongside a trainer from Grandir UK’s training partner, Realise. This reinforces the philosophy of providing apprentices with a network of people who can support them throughout their journey. This will ultimately help apprentices stay on track with their goals and overcome any challenges they might face.

This aspect of community can also cross over to life outside of the apprenticeship with extracurricular activities. Echoing this idea in reference to Grandir UK’s apprenticeship programme, Cathy states: “Regular team-building activities, social events, and collaborative projects are integral parts of our programme. These initiatives encourage apprentices to forge friendships, share experiences, and learn from one another.” Organising these types of activities is also a good way to reward and recognise apprentices for their hard work.

Focus on wellbeing

The overall wellbeing of apprentices is an area that shouldn’t be overlooked. Providing them with a safe space where they can express their emotions and concerns helps them build confidence. Cathy, expressing Grandir UK’s take on this, states: “Our programme includes regular well-being sessions, mental health resources, and access to counselling services. We encourage open conversations about mental health and create a safe space where apprentices can express their concerns and seek support.”

Accessibility

Making sure your apprenticeship programme is accessible to people with varied educational backgrounds is a key aspect to consider. Some early years apprenticeships go a step further by providing additional Functional Skills training, helping individuals who may have missed out on certain academic qualifications gain these alongside their training. The more inclusive the apprenticeship programme is, the more applicants you’ll see with a passion for early years!

Real-world impact and career progression

As an apprentice nears the end of their apprenticeship, it’s natural for them to seek security and wonder, ‘Will I have a job once my apprenticeship is complete?’ Apprentices should see the tangible impact of their work and have clear career progression opportunities. At Grandir UK, apprentices are provided with the support they need to apply for a qualified role within their chosen nursery upon completion of their apprenticeship. This ensures a smooth transition from apprenticeship life into their professional career.

Whether you’re an organisation looking to build an impactful apprenticeship programme or an aspiring apprentice, hopefully you now have more insight into the tools that contribute to a successful programme.

If you would like to find out more about Grandir UK’s award-winning apprenticeship programme, explore their website and express your interest here.