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Society, Health and Childhood Studies - Apprenticeships

It’s all About your Future… and Theirs

Working with children can be one of the most fascinating and rewarding jobs you can do. As an Apprentice on an NVQ Level 2, you’ll get the best possible training, both hands-on in a crèche, nursery or playgroup, and at College where you’ll study child development, first aid and associated subjects.

You’ll get involved in the day-to-day care of young children, helping with their physical, mental and personal development, organising ‘learning through play’ activities and recording their progress for parents and nursery records.

It’s an absorbing and stimulating occupation; no two days and no two children are ever alike, and there are plenty of opportunities to progress or diversify into learning support, special needs childcare or even teaching once you’ve completed your Apprenticeship. Qualifications beyond your Level 2 NVQ at Blackpool and The Fylde College include a Level 3 Early Years and Education NVQ and Foundation Degrees in Working with Young People in the Community; Teaching and Learning Support (Primary); and Professional Practice in Early Years.

Meet the Boss

Jo Smith, Crèche and Pre-School Manager, Pebbles Nursery
jo smithPebbles began life as a crèche for the use of guests at the Dalmeny Hotel, St Annes. Today, it has grown into a fully-fledged nursery providing full time childcare up to pre-school age, and weekend and holiday activities for older children. The nursery has 3 staff currently working and studying towards their Apprenticeships, and Jo Smith, Pebbles’ Crèche and Pre-School Manager, is an enthusiastic advocate of the Apprenticeship system.
“The standard of training at the College is very high, so we benefit by getting a better quality of staff, and from the new ideas and enthusiasm they bring with them. In a small team like ours, that makes a big difference.”
She has also seen the benefits of the Advanced Apprenticeship, now there is no upper age limit for applications.
“One of our apprentices is 32 and studying for her Level 3, which means she brings real maturity to the job.”
And if she had to sum up the advantages for the business?
“Apprenticeships are always good for existing staff and managers because explaining things to learners makes you think again about basic practice and whether there are ways things can be improved.”

To find out more about Apprenticeship study at Blackpool and The Fylde College, please visit our
Apprenticeships Section