Shaping your tomorrow, today.
Shaping Lives develops, nurtures, and grows skilled educators, equipping them with the essential skills, confidence, and resilience to fulfill their own potential.
To develop 10,000 ambitious young adults (16-25) through apprenticeships by 2030
Shaping Lives develops, nurtures and grows skilled educators, equipping them with the essential skills, confidence, and resilience to fulfil their own potential, foster a love of learning in young children and make a positive impact on their early development.
Learn MoreWe create exceptional learning journeys
Our apprentices learn from the best through exceptional, learning journeys that empower them with the skills for successful, rewarding careers, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in early years education.
Benefits
Gain a nationally recognised qualification- Develop practical skills and knowledge
- Build a professional network
- Open doors to a rewarding career
- Earn a wage whilst learning
- Gain confidence and knowledge
"When I came across the apprenticeship opportunity, I immediately knew I had to apply because this was exactly what I wanted to do. There was nothing holding me back, and now, I absolutely love my job."
Ruby Grace Lamb - Spring by Action for Children
Level 2 Diploma
"A lot of educational routes give you the theory first and the experience later. Apprenticeships have these two strands running at the same time, so you can put what you’ve learnt immediately into practice."
Mark Steed – Dottie Tots Nursery Schools Ltd
Level 3 Diploma
Your trusted partner
Our apprentices learn from the very best, following personalised training journeys that build the skills needed for truly rewarding careers. With our exceptional approach to hands-on learning, we empower each apprentice to thrive, making us a trusted partner in shaping the future of childcare.
Benefits
- Expert support every step of the way
- Increased staff retention and quality
- Access to skilled and passionate talent through our recruitment service
- Quality training delivering real impact
" I love watching the staff grow and develop as much as the children. I believe that given the right support, anyone can do anything, and it’s my job to give them the tools to succeed."
Emily Williams, ManagerRagamuffins
"Our pledge demonstrates that we are ahead of the game and able to deliver an outstanding teaching and learning experience every time as we have so many experienced and knowledgeable colleagues to support our learners"
Dawn KingShaping Lives
"Having been an apprentice myself, I understand the challenges and barriers learners and employers can face and make it my personal responsibility to listen, understand and support my learners to achieve success both in their apprenticeship and future career progression. "
Sophie HampshireShaping Lives
Kick-start your career with an apprenticeship today
Early Years Practitioner – Level 2 apprenticeship
Start your rewarding childcare career with Shaping Lives' Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship. Gain hands-on experience and expert training to thrive in roles like Nursery Assistant or Early Years Worker. Enquire today!
- Level 2
- City & Guilds
- 12 months Apprenticeship
- Cost: £200 for non-levy employers, £4,000 for levy-paying employers
Early Years Educator – Level 3 apprenticeship
Early Years Educators and nursery nurses are the everyday heroes who make sure young children thrive during their most important early years. They help kids learn, grow, and stay safe. Enquire today!
- Level 3
- Innovate Awarding
- 18 months apprenticeship
- Cost: £350 for non-levy employers, £7,000 for levy-paying employers
Early Years Lead Practitioner – Level 5 apprenticeship
Step into leadership with our Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship. Develop the skills to lead teams, support children's learning, and ensure high-quality care. Start your journey with Shaping Lives today!
- Level 5
- Innovate Awarding
- 24 months apprenticeship
- Cost: £400 for non-levy employers, £8,000 for levy-paying employers
Teaching Assistant – Level 3 Apprenticeship
Early Years Educators and nursery nurses are the everyday heroes who make sure young children thrive during their most important early years. They help kids learn, grow, and stay safe. Enquire today!
- Level 3
- Innovate Awarding
- 15 months Apprenticeship
- Cost: £350 for non-levy employers, £7,000 for levy-paying employers
"I feel I am of value to my colleagues and it has built positive working relationships in my setting as I have built new relationships due to more experienced staff supporting me during the qualification."
Agata Kwiakwowska – Level 3 Teaching Assistant
Level 3 Diploma
Real stories. Real impact.
Curious what it's like to be a real-life superhero? Watch how our childcare apprentices make magic happen every day - nurturing little minds, one adventure at a time!
Early years careers
An apprenticeship is a respected and exciting way to learn valuable skills and gain experience in your chosen sector. You’ll learn in the work environment, developing the skills that you need to excel in your chosen career.
We’re here to help you progress and to keep adding value to your career, your industry, and the whole economy through our award-winning training delivery.
Early years careers
An apprenticeship is a respected and exciting way to learn valuable skills and gain experience in your chosen sector. You’ll learn in the work environment, developing the skills that you need to excel in your chosen career.
We’re here to help you progress and to keep adding value to your career, your industry, and the whole economy through our award-winning training delivery.
Experience you can trust
Our commitment to excellence in apprenticeship training has earned us a reputation that speaks for itself. We proudly hold an “Ofsted Good” rating, showcasing our unwavering dedication to high standards. Additionally, we have been honoured with the title of “AAC Provider of the Year” and ranked as the “Number 1 Provider” by Rate My Apprenticeship, underscoring our commitment to quality, innovation, and learner satisfaction.
“When I came across the apprenticeship opportunity, I immediately knew I had to apply because this was exactly what I wanted to do. There was nothing holding me back, and now, I absolutely love my job.”
Ruby Grace Lamb - Level 2
Spring by Action for Children
“A lot of educational routes give you the theory first and the experience later. Apprenticeships have these two strands running at the same time, so you can put what you’ve learnt immediately into practice.”
Mark Steed – Level 3
Dottie Tots Nursery Schools Ltd
Get the scoop from our amazing apprentices
Curious about the buzz? Our apprentices are ready to spill the tea and share their amazing experiences with you! Get ready for some inspiring stories from the Shaping Lives crew.
Ready to get started?
Looking for an apprenticeship that fits your goals? Whether you’re starting your career or ready to progress, Shaping Lives is here to help you every step of the way.
