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In a rush? Here's the quick run-down:
Apprentices really are the future for the early education sector. But as an experienced educator, how do youfind those gems that are waiting to be unearthed? A lot's likely changed since you entered the field, so it's time to revisit how and where you can draw in the best apprentices.
Apprentices don't just come from schools and colleges - they can be any age. And to get a good apprentice program going, you need the right applicants, that’s for sure - and a reputable training provider.
Thinking of the future of the next generation is an investment, and the effort you put into employing apprentices can really pay off. On top of that, you're making an essential contribution to early education, by ensuring there's another generation of enthusiastic, talented educators willing to take up the mantle.
So let's look at why apprentices are so relevant now — when we're especially concerned with recruitment and retention — and what you need to know.
In Part 1 of this series, we have already covered the majority of this topic from a manager’s perspective.
These are paramount. Remember, hiring apprentices is a brilliant way to expand and upskill your team.
It is fundamental to set entry or learning requirements for apprentices, such as functional skills in maths and English. You've also got to explore their motivation to start a career in the early years. We need to be realistic, as most likely this is going to be their first-ever job, so it is important that we nurture them.
It's also crucial to build consistency, so there are clear expectations on how many hours is study time versus work experience. Having a ‘buddy’, an on-site apprentice coach from the team is a great way to support them. This could be a former apprentice perhaps, who can help them through the journey and motivate them.
Introducing a bonus scheme is always a good way to attract apprentices initially. But when you think of long-term goals, it is best to be clear about their potential career path and promotion opportunities, so they know that there is a lot of room for growth. It also doesn’t hurt to offer an incentive bonus when they achieve their apprenticeship if your budget allows it!
As more and more nurseries are open to hiring apprentices, it has become a competitive field. This means that you need to stand out and be creative with your recruitment process.
Here are a few things to try:
Having a positive experience with their first job will boost apprentices' self-confidence - and what is a better feeling than being valued and having visibility?
Choosing a career path is not always easy. If you are considering working within the Early Years or beginning an Early Years apprenticeship, but unsure whether it is for you, this short quiz below will help to guide you! Keep track of your answers, then scroll down to the very bottom to go through the results.
1. You like communicating with, helping and teaching others in general - whether it is your elderly neighbour or your 2-year-old niece, it makes you happy and fulfilled.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
2. You are creative, loving arts and crafts, and working with different designs and patterns. Think of drawing, painting, turning the kitchen into an art studio and driving your parents mad with the amount of mess and biodegradable glitter or building the coolest pillow fortress in the living room with your nieces and nephews.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
3. You are interested in observing human behaviour, finding out the reasons behind interests and motivations, and assessing individual differences. Example: all the little ones you have met before are different and interested in different things - how fascinating is that?
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
4. You enjoy spending time outdoors and are interested in creating a safe and challenging environment for children to play. Think of designing a really cool playground with all the swings, slides and monkey bars or going for guided walks in the woods to find worms and other creatures.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
5. You are able to think ‘outside of the box’. Quite literally - there are so many ways to use a large cardboard box!
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
6. You like following routines but can be flexible, - play time, snack time, outdoor time, nap time - all so important and need planning.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
7. You don’t mind getting messy - whether it is acrylic paint, play dough or mud, you are quite comfortable handling all the mess just for the sake of having fun and providing the best learning experience.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
8. You are able to keep calm and collected in the most chaotic and stressful situations. The sound of 5 dysregulated toddlers, flying teddy bears and paintbrushes are not scaring you in the slightest.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
9. You believe in being fair and treating everyone equitably.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
10. Seeing little ones being happy, having fun whilst keeping safe, and reaching milestones like taking their first step or saying their first word makes you feel incredibly content.
A) True
B) Partly true
C) False
If most of your answers from the quiz above were 'A,' then it is not even a question that working in education is the right path for you.
Now, where can you find the perfect nursery to start your apprenticeship journey?
Naturally - Google is your best friend. You just need to do some research and find a childcare apprenticeship provider.
When speaking to an agency about nursery settings, make sure to ask the following questions:
Every nursery setting is different, so once you have an interview with the Nursery Manager, focus on these factors:
You can always enquire at your local nursery - you never know, they might already be working with a training provider and you are exactly the person they are waiting for as an addition to their A-Team!
Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.
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The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
