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Shaping tomorrow’s educators, today

With over 20 years of experience behind us, Shaping Lives will take apprentices on a learning journey that is all about growth, hands-on training and real impact in early years education.

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With support every step of the way, our apprentices achieve incredible results with 65% earning a merit or distinction, and everyone who completes their journey graduates with success. Your future in early years is bright and filled with so much possibility. Shaping your tomorrow, today.

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Childcare apprenticeships with Shaping Lives

At Shaping Lives, we’re all about growing the Early Years sector by training the next wave of incredible educators! Each year, we’re thrilled to help hundreds of apprentices kick-start their careers in childcare and early education, making their journey as inspiring and rewarding as possible. Let’s shape the future together!

Build your team with childcare apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals. At Shaping Lives, we’re ready to help you build your dream team—whether it’s developing the skills of your current staff or making sure your nursery stays ahead in the Early Years sector. With 84% of our apprentices giving our training a big thumbs up and rating it ‘Excellent,’ we know we’re doing something right!

Our training ensures that everything we teach can be applied directly to what your employees do day-to-day, making a real difference on the job.

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Tailored apprenticeship pathways for every level

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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 Level 2
  • City & Guilds City & Guilds
  • 12 months Apprenticeship 12 months Apprenticeship
  • Cost: £250 for non-levy employers, £5,000 for levy-paying employers Cost: £250 for non-levy employers, £5,000 for levy-paying employers
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"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
Ruby Grace Lamb - Spring by Action for Children

Level 2 Diploma

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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 Level 3
  • Innovate Awarding Innovate Awarding
  • 18 months apprenticeship 18 months apprenticeship
  • Cost: £350 for non-levy employers, £7,000 for levy-paying employers Cost: £350 for non-levy employers, £7,000 for levy-paying employers
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Young boy playing with water table with an apprentice who is pouring water

"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
Mark Steed – Dottie Tots Nursery Schools Ltd

Level 3 Diploma

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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 Level 5
  • Innovate Awarding Innovate Awarding
  • 24 months apprenticeship 24 months apprenticeship
  • Cost: £450 for non-levy employers, £9,000 for levy-paying employers Cost: £450 for non-levy employers, £9,000 for levy-paying employers
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"An apprenticeship lets me continue working and doing what I love, while further progressing and challenging myself."

Kathryne Rance – Building Blocks Christian Day Nursery

Level 5 Diploma

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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 Level 3
  • Innovate Awarding Innovate Awarding
  • 15 months Apprenticeship 15 months Apprenticeship
  • Cost: £350 for non-levy employers, £7,000 for levy-paying employers Cost: £350 for non-levy employers, £7,000 for levy-paying employers
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Apprentice sat on floor reading a book to a group of children, one has their hand up

"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."

Ragata Kwiakwowska
Agata Kwiakwowska – Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Level 3 Diploma

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Early Years SENDCo – Level 3 Award

Advance your childcare expertise with the Level 3 Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) Award. Tailored for nursery practitioners and childminders, this qualification equips you to support children with SEND and achieve positive outcomes. Enquire today!

  • Level 3 Level 3
  • CPD (non-accredited) + Fully accredited training options CPD (non-accredited) + Fully accredited training options
  • Costs: Please reach out to our team for both the CPD and Fully accredited Option pricing Costs: Please reach out to our team for both the CPD and Fully accredited Option pricing
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  2. Apply Now

"An apprenticeship lets me continue working and doing what I love, while further progressing and challenging myself."

Kathryne Rance – Building Blocks Christian Day Nursery

Level 5 Diploma

Ready to Start? Let’s Talk!


Ready to take your Early Years career to the next level? Let’s chat! Fill out the form below, and we’ll help you kickstart your journey to becoming an amazing Early Years Practitioner. We're excited to hear from you!