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National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Discover how apprenticeships are transforming lives, empowering businesses, and shaping the future of the Early Years sector.
Be part of the movement that’s building skills, driving innovation, and creating opportunities across the nation, one child, one career, and one community at a time.
A Message From Our Managing Director
We’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026 by highlighting the impact
apprenticeships have across the early years sector.
🍼 Apprenticeships bring fresh talent into nurseries and support practitioners to progress.
💪 They help build a stronger, more skilled workforce that delivers high‑quality care for
children.
🦸 We see the real difference these learning journeys make, from first‑time practitioners to
future leaders.
Throughout the week, we’re sharing stories, insights, and resources for employers, practitioners,
and anyone exploring apprenticeships.
Join us as we champion the value of apprenticeships and strengthen the future of early years.
Thanks for reading,
Jon O’Boyle
Managing Director of Eden Training Solutions
Motivating Metrics
What motivated you to start an apprenticeship?
- 25% I preferred hands-on learning to classroom-based study
- 23% I wanted to earn a wage while learning
- 20% I was already working in an Early Years setting
- 16% I wanted a clear route into a childcare career
- 11% My employer encouraged me to do the apprenticeship
- 4% I didn’t want to take on university debt
- 4% Other
What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?
- 51% Choose an apprenticeship if you want a meaningful and rewarding career that is challenging but well worth the effort.
- 11% An apprenticeship is a strong way to start or progress in early years, giving you real experience of childcare practice from day one.
- 11% Be prepared to develop practical skills you’ll use every day in an early year’s setting.
- 11% Take your time, stay organised, manage your workload well, and enjoy the learning process.
- 9% Ask questions and use the support of tutors and mentors to help you succeed throughout your apprenticeship.
- 7% Other
What has been the most valuable part of your apprenticeship so far?
- 24% Gaining hands-on experience with children
- 20% Learning practical skills which I can use straight away
- 17% Working and earning at the same time
- 12% Support from mentors, colleagues, or assessors
- 26% Building my confidence in Early Years practice
- 1% Other
How have apprentices improved the quality of care in your nursery?
- 33% learning best practices during training and applying them in the setting
- 30% supporting qualified staff and reducing workload stress
- 23% increasing staff-to-child ratios and improving individual attention
- 15% bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the team
How have apprentices benefited your nursery’s growth and reputation?
- 30% expanding capacity by filling staffing gaps
- 30% demonstrating commitment to staff development and training
- 24% improving parent confidence through well-trained staff
- 16% contributing to positive Ofsted outcomes and compliance
What are the benefits of hiring an apprentice over a qualified member of staff?
- 37% ability to train staff to fit your nursery’s culture and standards
- 34% opportunity to develop loyal, long-term team members
- 17% access to government funding and training support
- 12% lower initial salary costs compared to qualified hires
What Does an Apprenticeship With Eden Look Like?
An apprenticeship with Eden is a real job, real learning and real progression. From day one, you’ll earn while you learn, building skills,
confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in early years care.
Your journey starts with a tailored pre-start plan, then moves into hands-on learning through online modules, group sessions and one-to-one
support. You’ll put theory into practice in the workplace with mentoring, shadowing and practical training.
As you approach the finish line, we’ll prepare for Gateway and your End Point Assessment so you feel confident and ready. Complete your
apprenticeship and you’ll walk away qualified, capable and ready to make a difference.
The Hybrid Delivery Model
How It Works
Our blended content is built around you and
includes:
-
Interactive online courses to develop your
knowledge -
Group sessions to strengthen teamwork
and communication -
Personalised one-to-one coaching to
build confidence and support your
progress -
Offline resources and practical activities to
deepen understanding -
Face-to-face training that supports your
CPD and helps you apply your learning
directly in your early years setting
This approach gives you a balanced mix of
theory, practice and personalised support,
helping you progress smoothly and feel fully
prepared for your future career in early years.
An apprenticeship with Eden is a real job, real learning and real progression.
Our Apprenticeships
Early Years -Specialist
Early Years
Practitioner
Level 2
Early Years
Educator
Level 3
Teaching
Assistant
Level 3
Our early years apprenticeships give you the perfect way to learn on the job while building real confidence and skills.
You’ll gain hands-on experience, work with young children every day and be supported by experienced coaches who understand early years practice.
Throughout your apprenticeship you’ll grow your knowledge of child development, safeguarding, routines and high-quality interactions, helping you become a confident and capable early years professional.
Start your journey with us and take your first step into a rewarding career shaping the lives of the next generation.
Early Years -Leadership and Management
Team Leader
Apprenticehip
Level 3
Early Years
Lead Practitioner
Level 5
Early Years
Operations Manager
Level 5
Early Years
Coaching
Level 5
Early Years
Teacher
EYTS
Our leadership and management apprenticeships support early years professionals who are ready to take the next step.
You’ll build coaching skills such as active listening and goal setting, develop confidence in leading teams and managing daily practice, and have the option to work towards EYTS in 12 months while remaining in your current role.
These programmes are designed to help you grow into a reflective, capable leader who can guide high quality early education.
Let’s Get Started
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