In today’s fast-paced job market, staying ahead means keeping your skills fresh and relevant—especially in the childcare sector. If you’re looking to boost your knowledge and make a real difference in the lives of young children, commercial courses could be just what you need. These targeted training programmes give you the hands-on experience and practical skills needed to succeed.
But what exactly are commercial courses, and how do they differ from apprenticeships? In this blog, we’ll break it all down and explore how our Early Years and SENDCo Level 3 Award can help you shape your future.
What are commercial courses?
Commercial courses are designed to help you gain specific skills that are directly applicable to your career—skills you can put into action right away. These short-term training programmes focus on practical, industry-relevant knowledge that can be used immediately in the workplace. Unlike traditional academic pathways, commercial courses are all about preparing you for the job market in the quickest and most effective way possible.
At Shaping Lives, we offer commercial courses tailored to the unique needs of the early childhood education sector. Our courses are perfect for individuals who want to gain a deeper understanding of specific areas, like SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or early years education, without committing to lengthy university programmes.
Commercial courses vs. apprenticeships: What’s the difference?
Both commercial courses and apprenticeships provide valuable, hands-on experience, but they cater to different needs and learning styles. Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences:
- Duration: Commercial courses are shorter, typically lasting just a few weeks to a few months, while apprenticeships can take 1-4 years to complete.
- Learning format: Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom-based learning. Commercial courses, on the other hand, focus more on providing practical, theoretical knowledge with less emphasis on long-term placements.
- Job readiness: Apprenticeships often lead to full-time positions within the same organisation, while commercial courses are great for those already employed or looking to move into a new role or upskill.
The benefits of commercial courses
- Quick, targeted learning: One of the main benefits of commercial courses is the speed at which you can gain new skills. They’re designed to give you exactly what you need to make an impact, without the long academic commitment.
- Flexibility: Commercial courses are often designed with flexibility in mind, making them perfect for busy professionals. Whether you’re working full-time or balancing other commitments, you can study at your own pace without taking time off work.
- Industry-relevant skills: Our courses are always up to date with the latest trends and best practices in early years education. This means you’re learning skills that are directly relevant to the current job market, giving you a competitive edge.
- Professional networking: Our commercial courses also provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and experienced instructors, opening doors for future career opportunities.
- Cost-effective: Commercial courses are more affordable than full-time degrees or long apprenticeships, offering you a smart, cost-effective way to advance your career.
Why choose the Early Years SENDCo Level 3 award?
At Shaping Lives, our Early Years SENDCo Level 3 Award is designed for those who are passionate about supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Whether you’re already working in early years education or looking to develop your skills further, this course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make a positive impact in the classroom.
Key benefits of the SENDCo Level 3 award:
- Gain practical tools and strategies to support children with SEND.
- Learn how to build inclusive environments that cater to all children’s needs.
- Develop the skills to effectively communicate with parents, colleagues, and external professionals.
- Enhance your professional development and open up opportunities for career progression.
Ready to Shape Your Tomorrow, Today?
Commercial courses are a fantastic way to gain industry-specific skills quickly and effectively. They offer flexibility, practical knowledge, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals—all in a cost-effective package. If you’re ready to take the next step in your early years career, the SENDCo Level 3 Award is a brilliant place to start.
Don’t wait to shape your future. Explore our Early Years SENDCo Level 3 Award and other commercial courses today and discover how we can help you unlock your potential in early childhood education.
