Level 3
Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

The Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship is a hands-on program that builds the skills and knowledge needed to excel in childcare. With practical experience and a nationally recognised qualification, it’s the perfect pathway to a rewarding career in early years education and care.

Need-to-know:

About our level 3 early years apprenticeship

The Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship is a childcare course that helps you build key skills. It gives you the knowledge and experience to work in early years settings. You’ll learn through hands-on training and classroom lessons. This mix helps you grow your skills and confidence. You’ll also earn a nationally recognised qualification. During the course, you’ll learn how to give children great care and support their learning. This includes work in nurseries, preschools, and other early years places. When you finish, you can move into roles like Early Years Educator, room leader, or manager.

Benefits of a level 3 childcare apprenticeship

For LearnersFor Employers

For Learners

This level 3 early years apprenticeship is your chance to turn your passion for childcare into a thriving career! You’ll gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and develop the skills to create amazing learning experiences for young children. With a nationally recognised qualification, you’ll be ready to take on exciting roles in nurseries, preschools, and beyond. It’s more than just training - it’s your pathway to making a real difference while doing what you love!
To apply for the Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Apprenticeship, you’ll need to have a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification or equivalent. You should also have a good standard of English and Maths, typically a GCSE grade 4/C or above. Additionally, you must be employed in an early years setting, as the apprenticeship involves practical, hands-on experience alongside your studies.
If you're 19 or older and looking to study a Level 3 to Level 6 course, an Advanced Learner Loan could help you cover your tuition fees. These government-backed loans are easy to apply for, with no credit checks and no impact on your household income. Plus, you won’t have to start repaying until you’re earning over £21,000 a year. This means you can focus on your learning now and pay back later when it’s more affordable.

For Employers

This level 3 early years apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to develop a skilled and confident team member, whether you’re enhancing the skills of an existing staff member or bringing someone new into your team. It will boost their confidence, open up pathways for career progression, and help you nurture talent, building a stronger workforce. Invest in your employee’s growth and the future success of your setting
To offer the Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Apprenticeship, your candidate should have already achieved a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification or equivalent. They should also meet the standard of English and Maths, typically GCSE grade 4/C or above. As the apprenticeship combines learning with practical experience, the candidate will need to be employed in an early years setting throughout the duration of the program.
Upon completing the level 3 early years apprenticeship, learners will have access to exciting progression opportunities in the Early Years sector. With a Level 3 qualification, they can move into higher roles such as nursery supervisor or early years teaching assistant or even pursue management positions. This apprenticeship also serves as a strong foundation for further professional development, including leadership training and specialised courses, helping learners advance quickly in their careers and make a lasting impact on young children’s lives.

Ready to apply?

To apply or find out more, please complete the form below, or call us on 01202 879420

FAQs

It’s not possible to do two apprenticeships simultaneously as each contract is for full time positions, i.e. a minimum of 30 hours a week. However, there is nothing stopping you finishing one apprenticeship and then doing a different one- as long as it’s not the same as one you’ve already done. So for example, you can do a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Childcare Apprenticeship, then a Level 3 Early Years Educator Childcare Apprenticeship, then maybe a Level 3 Early Years Team Leader Apprenticeship… etc.
As of April 2025, the minimum wage for an apprentice is £7.55 per hour. This applies to any apprentice under 19 years of age, or anyone 19 and above who is in their first year of an apprenticeship. Anyone over 19 who has finished their first year is entitled to national minimum wage:

21 and over 18 to 20 Under 18 Apprentice

April 2025 £12.21 £10 £7.55 £7.55

So, for example, a 24 year old apprentice doing the first year of their course is entitled to £7.55 p/h.

A 21 year old doing the second year of their course is entitled to £12.21 p/h

Of course, this is only the national minimum rates and lots of employers choose to pay their apprentices more than this.

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