Apprenticeship to Career: Discover How Chelsie’s Early Years Journey Unfolded

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At Eden Training Solutions, the focus remains on highlighting the inspiring journeys of individuals who have embraced apprenticeships as a pathway to success in the early years sector. This feature showcases Chelsie, a dedicated Skills Coach whose career in early years education began as an apprentice.


In this interview, Chelsie reflects on her career, offers guidance for aspiring early years professionals, and discusses the key skills and mindset required to excel in this rewarding field. Her story serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the value of apprenticeships in shaping the future of early education. Whether considering an apprenticeship or simply exploring the possibilities within the sector, her insights provide valuable perspective.

Q: Reflecting on your journey, what inspired you to pursue a career in early years education, and how did your apprenticeship lay the foundation for your success?

      A: “I had been the one that everyone called on for babysitting as a teenager, and I loved caring for and looking after all the children in our family. I began my level 3 in a college setting where I only went to placement once a week, when the setting offered me to come on with them full time and complete my level 3 as a hands-on apprentice I jumped at the chance.

      While completing my Level 3 in early years I just loved how different every day was and the relationships I made with the children and families. Completing my apprenticeship gave me a real insight into what nursery life was like and the difference you can make as an early years educator, this is experience I wouldn’t have gained by being sat in a classroom.” 

      Q: You’ve held various roles, from practitioner to manager and now a Skills Coach. What advice would you give to early years apprentices about the diverse career paths available in this field?

        A: “The advice I would give apprentices is work hard and follow your dream, I speak to so many apprentices each week about their plans for the future and how they could never be a manager, but I myself was once an apprentice and without my apprenticeship wouldn’t be where I am today.

        It laid the foundations for everything I have gone on to achieve. Early years is a continually developing sector and there is always something new to learn whatever role you are in and this is what makes it such a unique sector to work in.” 

        Q: As a Skills Coach, you now focus on upskilling nursery staff. What key skills or qualities do you believe are essential for someone starting their early years apprenticeship?

          A: “I believe apprentices need to be caring, enthusiastic, passionate and willing to learn. Everything else can be built upon and taught by both us and the setting they work in.” 

          Q: Based on your experience, what do you think potential early years apprentices need most to succeed—whether it’s support, skills, or mindset—and how can they prepare themselves for this rewarding career?

            A: “I think the biggest things are mindset and support, skills can be taught, but if apprentices have the right support from their managers and us as skills coaches the world is their oyster. I honestly believe as I tell my children you can be anything you want to be as long as you put the work in.”

            Q: What excites you most about the future of early years education, and how do you see apprenticeships playing a role in shaping the next generation of early years professionals?

              A: “I think I am most excited about early years education is becoming much more recognised as such a vital and important job. In my experience it has previously been looked upon as something easy and something that anyone can do, which anyone who works in early years will know this couldn’t be further from the truth.

              However more recently I feel this stigma has subsided and early years educators are recognised for the highly skilled individuals that they are. I feel apprenticeships play a major role in shaping the next generation of early years professionals as apprentices need both the knowledge of early years and experience within a setting to be able to be the best at what they do.”

              Kathy
              Leatherbarrow
              Early Years Consultant
              Kathy Leatherbarrow is an experienced early years consultant with over 25 years in the field. She excels in improving childcare quality, mentoring staff, and exceeding Ofsted standards. Kathy is committed to providing every child with the best start in life.