Childcare
Studying a childcare apprenticeship gives you the skills to support play, learning, growth and development of young children in Wales. When considering your options, there are many benefits to studying an apprenticeship. Earn while you learn, gain on the job experience and receive a recognised qualification.
Children need someone to look up to. A person with energy, imagination, empathy and patience. Creativity is key to a child’s growth and a sense of fun goes a long way. If you’re committed to helping children thrive and get the best start in life, this could be the course for you.
What to expect from our Childcare courses
At Educ8 Training, we believe blended learning is the perfect combination to help balance work and family life. You’ll have access to a range of resources through our online learner Moodle. You will be assigned a trainer coach to help support you with independent study and training in the workplace.
You will receive one to one specialist support, bespoke to your subject area and your trainer coach will come to your workplace to deliver your assessments. No need to worry about taking extra time out. You will learn everything on the job and the course will be tailored to you and your employer.
Our childcare courses are broken down into mandatory and optional units and you will be able to discuss with your employer what is best suited to your interests and the needs of the business.
What you will learn during your apprenticeship
What you learn will depend on the level you study. For those new to childcare, you will learn basic skills that focus on the importance of health and wellbeing, promoting positive approaches to behaviour and supporting indoor and outdoor play.
Those with more experience, will have the opportunity to help support children with speech, language and communication skills. Including supporting children with a variety of needs including physical disability and learning difficulties.
Studying a higher apprenticeship will prepare you for a career in management, helping you effectively lead a team of people and manage practice that promotes the safeguarding of children. Each level will match the requirements of your role and meet industry standards.
Different levels of Childcare apprenticeships
Our courses range from Level 2 to Level 5 and aim to develop the knowledge and skills required for employment and progression within the childcare sector.
If you are just starting out, our entry Level 2 course is perfect for taking that first step towards a career in childcare. We offer a Level 3 course for those already working in a nursery or childcare setting and Level 4 for those in senior roles such as team leader or deputy manager.
Studying a Level 4 or 5 qualification will help prepare you for a career in leadership and management and will give you the knowledge and understanding to lead child-centred practice and manage effective team performance.
Level 2 Childcare
15 Months
This is an entry-level qualification for those taking their first steps in a career in the childcare sector. The course combines two qualifications - the core which provides the theoretical knowledge, followed by practice which is assessed in the workplace.
Level 3 Childcare
18 Months
This qualification is primarily for those working, or seeking to work, in regulated childcare settings with families and children under the age of 8 years and NHS children’s services for those working with families and children aged 0-19 years.
Level 4 Childcare
21 Months
The course is knowledge based for experienced staff who wish to develop their leadership potential in order to progress to a leadership and management role within the childcare sector. As it’s knowledge based, learners can complete the L4 qualification before they have attained a Management role.
Level 4/5 Childcare
24 Months
This is a knowledge-based qualification for learners employed in a managerial role within the Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development sector. The qualification is primarily for those in paid or unpaid employment or who have access to a work placement, in regulated childcare settings with families and children under the age of 8 and NHS children’s services for those working with families and children 0 – 19
" I’m a Welsh speaker and have the flexibility to do what parts of the qualification I want in Welsh and English. "
What happens after your Childcare course
Once you’ve completed your childcare qualification, you will have the opportunity to discuss with your manager, whether you will continue working at the nursery and progress onto a higher-level apprenticeship.
If you’ve finished the course and decide you would like to change roles, there’s no reason why you can’t apply to other settings and study your next qualification in a different setting.
Employers look for people who are enthusiastic and keen to learn. Our range of courses mean that you can work your way up the career ladder and improve your employment opportunities for the future.
Childcare apprenticeships in Wales FAQs
Visit our vacancies page where we list our most recent job roles in childcare. You will find information on the job description, pay and area of work. If you’re already employed in a childcare role, speak to one of our team about progression. You can learn while you earn at no cost to you or your employer.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people or school leavers. Apprenticeships are for anyone over the age of 16. You can be new to a role and apply to one of our vacancies or you can already be in a role and choose to study with us to learn new skills.
There is a set current National Minimum Wage for apprentices aged 16-18. Learners aged 19 and over who are in their first year of study also receive a National Minimum Wage. Once you have completed your first year, you will then be entitled to National Minimum Wage or National Minimum Living Wage for your age. If you are already in employment and would like to study an apprenticeship you will stay on the same salary.
We offer apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 to Level 5 – beginner to advanced. Our apprenticeships are suitable for those looking to start their career and those looking to build their skills towards a more senior role.
I am a learner
Start your career and apply for an apprenticeship or up skill in your current role to progress your career.
I am an employer
Businesses need to grow. Learn new skills through our fully funded apprenticeships.
I am a parent
We have lots of apprenticeship vacancies. Your child will earn a wage while studying a qualification.