When you’re balancing daily demands, holiday cover, and planning for September, it’s easy to delay decisions about recruitment and training. But for nursery managers who want to get ahead, now is the ideal time to act.
Bringing an apprentice into your setting before the summer rush isn’t just convenient, it’s a smart strategic move. This will help you build a more capable, confident, and consistent team in time for the new academic year.
Here are three compelling reasons why nursery managers should make apprentice recruitment a priority this summer.
1. Nursery Managers get time to Train Without the Pressure
One of the biggest advantages of early on-boarding is time. When you recruit an apprentice before the summer peak, your team has breathing space to offer meaningful guidance, without the pressure of back-to-school deadlines or high staff turnover.
Nursery managers know how vital a calm and supportive start is for new team members. Starting in summer allows your apprentice to learn at a steady pace and build real confidence ahead of September.
2. Smoother Staff Transitions Over the Holidays
Summer holidays can cause disruption, with regular staff on leave and temporary cover increasing. Having an apprentice in place gives your team a reliable presence who’s already familiar with your routines and children. Rather than scrambling for short-term solutions, nursery managers can use apprenticeships to bring stability and support during a naturally hectic time.
3. Nursery Managers a Get Head Start on September Readiness
September brings a fresh cohort of children, new families, and higher expectations, and many settings feel the pressure to perform from day one. Apprentices who start in summer have already settled, trained, and connected with your team. They’re ready to contribute meaningfully when the autumn term begins, making your whole team stronger from day one.
4. Recruitment Is Easier Outside the Peak Season
Many settings wait until the end of summer to think about apprentices. This means you’re competing with everyone else. Starting the process now gives you access to a wider pool of candidates and more time to find the right match. Nursery managers who act early avoid rushed decisions and ensure a better fit for their team culture and goals.
5. Long-Term Investment in Team Development
Hiring an apprentice isn’t just about filling a gap. It’s about shaping someone who can grow into a valuable, long-term member of staff. Starting in summer means they’re well-positioned to continue progressing throughout the year, with a full academic term ahead to embed their skills.
With structured support and real hands-on experience, you’re building your future workforce from the inside out.
For nursery managers, planning ahead is a key part of leading a successful setting and securing your apprentice before the summer rush is one of the smartest moves you can make.
At Shoots Training, we work with you to find the right apprentice, support their journey, and help you get real value from their role. We take care of the details, so you can focus on what you do best: leading a thriving nursery.
🎯 Let’s get your next apprentice in place ready to support your team this summer and thrive by September.
📩 Contact us today to start the conversation – CLICK HERE