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An apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who would like to combine study with a wage. The apprentice will learn ‘on-the-job’ for four days a week and attend the College for one day a week. All South Downs’ apprentices are employed locally and receive a weekly wage from their employer. The focus of the programme is on practical training. The apprentice’s time at College will teach her/him the skills needed to do the job effectively. Apprentices will be able to practise and perfect their skills in the workplace. The programme also includes the underpinning knowledge the individual needs to develop and progress in their career.

    This Apprenticeship comprises the following components:
  • BTEC Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
  • NVQ2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities
  • Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication at Level 1
  • Paediatric First Aid

How can an Apprenticeship beneft your business?

    The programme will help your business to:
  • Meet the statutory requirements for competent and qualified childcare staff
  • Develop a well-trained, motivated workforce
  • Gain an increased competitive edge
  • Benefit from a flexible programme with financial help to meet the costs of training
  • Avoid skills shortages – Apprenticeships allow you to invest in your setting’s future

By taking on an apprentice you can acquire specialist skills for your business that allow you to keep abreast of new training and standards.

How will an Apprenticeship develop your staff?

    Apprentices will benefit from:
  • Practical work-based leaning
  • Doing an exciting, worthwhile job and gaining valuable qualifications
  • Earning a wage whilst learning
  • Exciting career prospects (see progression section)

What are the entry requirements?

    There are no set entry requirements for Apprenticeships but applicants will:
  • Require good communication and numeracy skills and be prepared to undertake an initial assessment
  • Have to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, organised by the employer
  • Need to be aged 16 to 18 and based as an employed practitioner in a childcare setting
  • Need to be committed and have a keen interest in early years care and education
    Apprentices will be expected to demonstrate:
  • Reliability, flexibility and good timekeeping
  • The ability to work in a team as well as on their own initiative
  • Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
  • An interest in working with children
  • The ability to interact with children
  • A willingness to assist with various duties that are required when caring for children

How is the Apprenticeship structured?

    During the one-day a week at College, the apprentice will study:
  • BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (assessed by an on-line test)
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities, relating to childcare
  • Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication at Level 1
  • Paediatric (Children’s) First Aid
    In the workplace, the apprentice will be assessed for the NVQ Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, which consists of seven units:
  • Contribute to positive relationships
  • Help to keep children safe
  • Support children’s development
  • Use support to develop own practice in children’s care, learning and development
  • Prepare and maintain environments to meet children’s needs
  • Support children’s play and learning
  • Plus one additional unit from a choice of 5 (depending on the setting)

What are the progression opportunities?

    Completion of this programme will enable the apprentice to:
  • Work as a qualified Childcare Practitioner in a professional childcare setting
  • Progress on to the Level 3 qualification, which could lead to working in a supervisory position or ultimately a management role within a childcare setting.

For qualified childcare practitioners, the possibilities are exciting and endless. They may choose from many different childcare professions in which to specialise, including day nurseries or crèches, after school and holiday clubs, becoming a child minder – or even opening their own nursery, one day. What costs are involved?

Teaching and assessment fees are funded by the Learning and Skills Council (paid direct to the College). Employers are expected to remunerate the apprentice; the current minimum wage is £95 per week. For further information about the course or to request an application form, please contact:
Julie Walker, Business Training Unit
Tel: 023 9279 4661 or email: jwalker@southdowns.ac.uk