More than a school-leaver's route: Why apprenticeships are becoming a retention strategy in early years

Apprenticeships are often viewed as an entry route for young people, but they can also provide a valuable pathway for developing and retaining existing early years staff. This article and podcast episode explore how apprenticeships can support career progression, strengthen workforce skills and help settings invest in the practitioners they already have.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/more-than-a-school-leavers-route-why-apprenticeships-are-becoming-a-retention-strategy-in-early-years/

This episode is in partnership with The Childcare Company

The Childcare Company has delivered early years and childcare training since 2008 and is rated Good by Ofsted. It delivers apprenticeships, diplomas, skill builders and academies from Level 2 to Level 5, working alongside nurseries, early years settings, schools and residential childcare providers to build resilient, qualified teams. Training is delivered by its own delivery coaches, backed by funding, enrolment and free recruitment support. The Childcare Company is an Impact Futures Group brand. Building skills, impacting futures.

Find out more here: https://thechildcarecompany.com/

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· What does good quality CPD look like? With Dr Julian Grenier: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-does-good-quality-cpd-look-like/

· Early years leadership stories with Jenny Weidner: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-leadership-stories/

· Professional curiosity: Creating cultures of reflection, safety and growth with Jack Edwards and Kelly Hill: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-curiosity-creating-cultures-of-reflection-safety-and-growth/

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Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introducing Amanda and the episode's focus on apprenticeships
02:48 – Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers
04:28 – What settings lose when an experienced practitioner leaves
06:13 – Supporting staff retention through career progression
09:30 – Early years apprenticeship pathways: Level 2 to Level 6
10:47 – Different starting points and entering early years at any age
12:33 – Connecting theory, practical experience and reflective learning
14:57 – Addressing concerns about pay cuts and starting again as an apprentice
17:01 – Recognising prior learning and choosing the right apprenticeship level
19:59 – Making time for training alongside staffing pressures
23:22 – Flexible learning sessions and arranging workplace observations
26:04 – Understanding apprenticeship funding and the levy
27:49 – Funding for settings that do not pay the apprenticeship levy
29:14 – Discussing hiring incentives for new apprentices
30:23 – National Insurance relief for apprentices
31:07 – Employer support grants for the early years teacher degree apprenticeship
32:13 – Weighing training costs against the long-term value of retaining staff
33:40 – Why workplace culture, workload and pay still matter
34:34 – A practical first step for leaders exploring staff apprenticeships
35:30 – Contacting The Childcare Company and closing reflections

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com