Apprenticeships with Explorers
At Explorers Childcare Ltd we are very proud of our Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme. Having worked in the Early Years sector for 55 years combined Shelly & Lyndsey recognise that the college route is not the right one for every young person wanting a career in Early Years and so actively seek to recruit apprentices to join the Explorers family at all four of our settings.
We currently have 12 apprentices working towards Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications.
Ellie started studying childcare at college in September 2021 doing two days a week of work experience with Explorers. In January 2022 she decided to move completely to doing her apprenticeship at Explorers and as she already had a good knowledge base, she was able to continue to work towards her Level 3 qualification. Ellie completed her Level 3 in just over a year and is now working towards Level 5.
“At Explorers I see everything happening whereas at college I was learning about it but not really experiencing it for myself. I didn’t like sitting in a classroom trying to learn multiple units at a time and find it easier to do one unit at a time at my own pace whilst actually doing the job. I found college way more successful than doing an apprenticeship, and I wish I’d been told about the more apprenticeship option at school so I could have come straight into it.”
Sophie started with us July 2024 as a secondary school leaver. Having done her work experience with us she decided that sixth form was not the right path for her and is now working towards her Level 2.
“I didn’t really fancy going to college and always knew that I wanted to work with children and that I wanted to start working straight away. I’m really enjoying learning and earning at the same time. Getting my first month’s pay was so exciting as I’m already saving up for my driving lessons when I turn 17 next June.”
Liv has been with Explorers for just over 12 months. On 25th June 2024, Liv took the stage at the AELP National Conference in London, as the voice of all UK apprentices, captivating an audience of over 40 professionals.
Liv’s own words her apprenticeship has “helped develop my social skills and confidence speaking to new people and working in a team. I would never have gone to London by myself before the apprenticeship. I’m much braver now.”
Joel started with Explorers in April 2021 with a Level 2 qualification which he had completed at college. He’d started towards his Level 3 qualification at college until his course was impacted by the Covid lock down. When Joel came to work at Explorers, we were able to support Joel to successfully his complete Level 3 qualification and to help him gain experience supporting SEN children as a 1:1 practitioner. Joel benefitted greatly from having a peer mentor during his apprenticeship and this is something we pride ourselves on providing all apprentices with.
Apply for an Apprenticeship with Explorers
If you are interested in an Apprenticeship at Explorers. Please complete the contact form.