Grow your team, grow your impact – Find out How to hire a childcare apprentice
Finding skilled, passionate early years educators can be challenging. A childcare apprenticeship helps you develop loyal, qualified staff while creating long term stability for your nursery.
At Shaping Lives, we’re experts in helping nurseries start and manage apprenticeship programmes that deliver results.
Why childcare apprenticeships are good for nurseries
- Build a pipeline of trained, motivated early years professionals
- Improve retention and job satisfaction through career development
- Enhance Ofsted outcomes and parent trust
- Access government funding to reduce training costs
👉 Find out how our employer partnerships work
Step 1, Choose the right apprenticeship level for your team
We offer tailored programmes to match your staffing goals.
- Level 2 Early Years Practitioner – great for new recruits with enthusiasm and potential
- Level 3 Early Years Educator – ideal for staff ready for more responsibility
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner – perfect for developing room leaders or deputy managers
Each pathway equips your staff with the skills, confidence, and professional standards to elevate your provision.
👉 Explore the Childcare apprenticeships available
Step 2, Understand childcare apprenticeship funding and levy options
Apprenticeships can be fully or partially funded by the government.
- Levy paying employers: use existing levy funds to cover 100% of training.
- Non levy employers: receive up to 100% funding through government or partner pledges.
We’ll guide you through every step to ensure your funding works hard for you.
Step 3, Recruit or upskill your team
You can:
- Recruit new apprentices using our free recruitment service, we’ll help you find candidates who fit your nursery culture.
- Upskill existing staff through apprenticeships to boost morale and retention.
Whichever route you choose, your nursery gains skilled educators who share your values and commitment to children’s development.
Step 4, Partner with Shaping Lives
Once you’re ready to start, we take care of the rest from recruitment to enrolment, compliance, onboarding, and ongoing support.
With over 20 years of sector expertise and thousands of successful completions, we’re your trusted apprenticeship provider. Our Ofsted recognised quality means you can rely on us to deliver training that meets every regulation and exceeds expectations.
Step 5, Watch your team thrive
Apprenticeships don’t just fill vacancies, they strengthen your workforce.
With flexible learning schedules, your apprentices can study while working full time, applying their new knowledge immediately to enhance daily practice.
Your investment today creates the educators of tomorrow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I hire a childcare apprentice?
Contact Shaping Lives, we’ll help you register, recruit, and manage your apprentice from start to finish.
How much does it cost to train a childcare apprentice?
Most nurseries pay little or nothing thanks to government funding and levy support.
Can I upskill my current team through an apprenticeship?
Yes, absolutely. Apprenticeships are ideal for career development and retention within your existing staff.
What support will I receive as an employer?
You’ll have a dedicated partnership manager, compliance guidance, and regular tutor communication.
Ready to partner with Shaping Lives?
Book a call with our expert team to discuss funding and start building your apprenticeship programme today.
