The entry qualifications for the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship are Functional Skills English and Functional Skills Maths Level 1 or above – you must attempt Level 2 before you can take the End Point assessment.

If you are unable to meet these entry qualifications an alternative course within Early Years could be available.

The apprenticeship will take 12 months to complete (this does not include the three months EPA period).

The majority of your apprenticeship will be based in the workplace with your employer, your College attendance will be a combination of online and face to face learning.

As an Apprentice, you will pay no course fees. However, your employer may have to pay towards your training as well as providing you with a wage (please see below).

For information regarding employer contributions and any further costs related to the Apprenticeship programme, please call our dedicated Apprenticeship team on 01205 365701 ext 3248.

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.

Aged 16 to 18.

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in your first year.

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.

You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

If you are an employer and want to find out more information regarding employer contributions and any further costs related to the Apprenticeship programme, please call our dedicated Apprenticeship team on 01205 365701 ext. 3248.

If you would like to gain the Diploma in Accounting Level 3 you will need to pay exam entry fees of £245. You will also need to register with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) - which is currently £225 for the duration of this qualification. This will be invoiced separately.

You will be assessed by a mix of written assignments to support each unt and a minimum of four workplace observations throughout the year.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship can lead directly on to the Early Years Educator level three course. You will learn the skills knowledge and behaviours required to become an Early Years Practitioner, through employment in the sector and through taught sessions by an industry trained assessor.

You will be required to purchase a textbook at around £20 that accompanies the course.