Children and Young People’s Workforce
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship Children and Young People’s Workforce
Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce – Early Years Educator Pathway
Description
This framework develops knowledge and skills relating to the Early Years Educator (i.e. those working with children from birth to 5 years, and gaining knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years, within a setting which provides care and education for children across this age range. This Apprenticeship pathway is suitable for those looking to join the Early Years Workforce and also those already working in the sector.
This Apprenticeship pathway supports the development of a highly qualified, well skilled workforce within the Early Years sector, and ensures that children and young people accessing services in England gain the best possible care and support.
Entry conditions
There are no formal entry conditions for this framework.
Potential apprentices should however be willing to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service formerly known as CRB – Criminal Records Bureau) check. Employers in social care and in the health sector carry out DBS checks, as this is a requirement for those working in the sectors, and certain offences may disqualify potential apprentices from employment in these sectors and thus automatically preclude them from completing the framework. Potential apprentices should therefore discuss any relevant matters with their employer prior to enrolment.
Whilst there are no formal criteria, people who successfully complete apprenticeships and continue to work in the sector most often exhibit empathy, care and interest in others and want to work in the health or social care sector. Whilst it is practical to upskill staff, successful apprentices tend to come with the values and attitudes compatible with the roles they will be working in.
Examples of desirable skills and attributes in potential apprentices could include:
- motivation to succeed within the sector/s
- good interpersonal skills, effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- respect for people who use the services as individuals
- willingness to undertake training and learning programmes and apply that learning in the workplace
- the ability to demonstrate that they have the potential to complete the Diploma in Childcare and other qualifications that are part of the Apprenticeship framework
- willingness and ability to work long shifts across the childcare sectors
- an ability to work in small informal teams, demonstrating their listening skills and contributing towards decision making and practice as well as working in more formal teams following procedures
- a positive non-judgemental and open-minded attitude and value-system
- a standard of literacy and numeracy in keeping with the demands of the job
- willingness to undergo a DBS check which is mandatory for all those working directly with patients or service users in the health and social care sectors
- a driving licence may be considered necessary by some employers
Progression
Learners may progress from this pathway onto further qualifications specific to their work context. A wide range of qualifications are available for use within the social care sector. These may include further apprenticeship frameworks, QCF qualifications or other work-related education and training to support Continuing Professional Development.
Advanced level Apprentices can progress to QCF diplomas at level 4 and above , including, where appropriate, opportunities for progression to foundation degrees and higher education certificates.
