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Looking for a rewarding career that makes a real impact? Join our Shaping Lives apprenticeship programme and become part of a passionate community dedicated to shaping the future of childcare. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, our apprenticeships offer hands-on experience, expert guidance, and the opportunity to work in nurturing environments.
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Shaping Your Tomorrow, Today: National Apprenticeship Week 2026
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Apprentice
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, running from 9th–15th February 2026, a moment that brings people and organisations across the country together to celebrate the incredible difference apprenticeships make. From shaping meaningful careers to supporting strong and confident teams, this weeklong celebration highlights how apprenticeships open doors, build essential skills, and create opportunities…
Childcare apprenticeships vs college, which is right for you?
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Apprentice
Choosing your next step can feel exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when both options seem good. If you are thinking about a career in early childhood education, you might be wondering whether a childcare apprenticeship or a college course will help you get there faster. The good news is that both routes can open…
Looking ahead to 2026, our year in numbers
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Employer
A new year always brings a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. As we step into 2026, it feels right to take stock of what has been achieved, not just in numbers, but in people, progress, and potential. Because behind every statistic is a learner building confidence, an employer strengthening their team, and a…
8 Apprenticeship Myths – Busted! Everything you need to know
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Careers
Early Years apprenticeships are an incredible way to start or grow your career, but there are still plenty of misconceptions out there. Let’s clear them up and show you why apprenticeships are a brilliant choice for your future. Myth 1: Apprenticeships are only for school leavers Fact: Apprenticeships aren’t just for teenagers. If you’re…
The Role of Apprenticeships in Early Years Education
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Employer
Apprenticeships play a powerful role in early years education. They bring together passion and growth, supporting nurseries, apprentices, children, and communities at the same time. At Shaping Lives, we see every day how apprenticeships help build confident professionals, stronger teams, and high-quality early years settings that children can thrive in. Here’s why apprenticeships matter, and…
5 Golden Skills: Essential transferable skills for Early Years
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Careers
Great Early Years educators don’t just know what to do, they understand how to show up every day for young children and their families. Technical knowledge matters, but what truly sets you apart are the transferable skills you bring: how you communicate, adapt, problem-solve, collaborate, and manage your time. These skills help you create calm,…
Two ways to upskill your team in 2026
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Careers
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Employer
At Shaping Lives, we believe that every child deserves the very best start in life, and that begins with highly skilled, confident educators. As we step into 2026, the early years sector faces growing expectations for quality education and inclusive practice. For nursery employers, investing in your team isn’t just about meeting requirements, it’s about…
The difference between Level 2 and Level 3 childcare apprenticeships
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Pathways
If you are thinking about a career in early childhood education, you have probably noticed there are different apprenticeship levels to choose from. Level 2 and Level 3 are the most common starting points, but what do they actually mean, and what is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 childcare apprenticeships? Whether you…
What is a SENDCo? Understanding the role in early years education
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Careers
What is a SENDCo? Understanding the role in early years education Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive, and sometimes, that means having a little extra support along the way. That’s where the SENDCo comes in.n If you work in, or are training for, early years education, you’ve probably heard the term before….
Shaping Lives Impact Report is here
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Celebration
How apprenticeships are reshaping early years education one learner, one nursery and one tiny orangutan at a time… What do nearly two thousand apprentices, over a thousand employer partners, and one very busy baby orangutan have in common? They’re all part of a year that proved just how powerful Early Years apprenticeships can be…
