Why Early Years Apprenticeships Are the Answer

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) runs from 9th to 15th February 2026 and celebrates the difference apprenticeships make to people, businesses and communities across the UK. It’s a time for employers, apprentices, training providers and supporters to come together and recognise the real value apprenticeships bring - not just to organisations, but to individuals building meaningful careers. 

At its heart, National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeships are an investment in skills for life. They help develop a workforce that’s confident, adaptable and ready to meet the demands of today’s economy. Whether you’re a nursery owner thinking about growing your team, a manager under pressure to recruit, or an early years professional considering your next step, NAW is the perfect moment to reflect on what apprenticeships can offer you - and our sector as a whole.

 

Why Apprenticeships Matter — Especially Now

Staffing shortages and skills gaps are being felt across the UK, and the early years sector is no exception. Ongoing recruitment challenges, high staff turnover and rising demand mean finding committed, qualified team members can feel harder than ever. 

This is where apprenticeships really come into their own. Apprentices are not just trainees; they are employees who learn while they work, bringing fresh ideas, energy and a genuine desire to build their careers. For employers, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to develop a talent pool of future-ready staff, trained with the skills that matter most to their setting. 

The beauty of apprenticeships is that they benefit both sides of the employment equation: 

• For apprentices: structured training, real-world experience, and an opportunity to 'earn while you learn'. 
• For employers: a motivated workforce, tailored skills development and the chance to shape talent from the ground up.

 

The Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice 

Let’s look at why hiring apprentices should be on every early years leader’s radar: 

1. Build a Skilled and Loyal Workforce

Apprenticeships help you develop staff who understand your setting’s ethos and standards from day one. Investing in training creates loyalty - apprentices are more likely to stay with employers who have helped shape their careers. 

2. Fill Staff Shortages with Emerging Talent

With vacancies reported in childcare and related sectors, apprenticeships offer a way to address staffing gaps by creating roles that attract individuals seeking meaningful, paid training. It’s a proactive solution that combines recruitment and development.  

3. Improve Productivity and Performance

Apprentices contribute to day-to-day work while learning, which means you benefit from their efforts even as they develop. They can take on support roles, assist with admin tasks, or contribute to programme delivery under supervision. 

4. Reduce Recruitment Costs

Traditional hiring processes - advertising, interviewing, onboarding - can be time-consuming and expensive. Apprenticeship recruitment often offers a more cost-effective alternative, supported by government incentives and a variety of funding options. 

5. Create Clear Career Pathways

For young people and those looking to change careers, apprenticeships offer a structured path into early years roles that lead to qualifications and long-term prospects. That’s good for talent attraction and staff retention.

 

Practical tips For national apprenticeship week 

To make the most of National Apprenticeship Week (or any time of year), here are some practical actions you can take: 

1. Join or Host an Event

Whether it’s a panel discussion in your community, a webinar with other early years leaders, or an open day at your setting, events during NAW are great for networking and raising your profile. Events like The Power of Apprenticeships panel show how apprentices bring innovation and capability to businesses.  

2. Use the NAW Toolkits

The official National Apprenticeship Week toolkit provides downloadable resources - from social media assets to messaging guidance - helping you promote apprenticeships both internally and externally.  

3. Share Stories

One of the most powerful ways to promote apprenticeships is through real examples. Showcase your apprentices’ achievements on social media or on your website. Celebrate their progress and highlight how they contribute to your setting. 

4. Partner with Training Providers

Build relationships with apprenticeship providers, like Parenta, to access candidate pipelines and support frameworks. They can help you navigate funding, compliance and skills standards. 

5. Offer Mentoring and Support

Apprentices thrive with good guidance. Establish mentoring structures so that new apprentices have someone to turn to - boosting their confidence and enhancing their learning experience.  

 

Resources to Get You Started with Apprenticeships

Here are some organisations and platforms offering tools and support for apprenticeships: 

• Amazing Apprenticeships – Free resources for employers, schools and apprentices. (naw.appawards.co.uk) 

• Apprenticeship Ambassador Network – Peer support and ambassador programmes. (naw.appawards.co.uk) 

• National Careers Service – Careers advice and guidance to support recruitment and skills development. (naw.appawards.co.uk) 

• UCAS Apprenticeship Search – Find apprenticeship opportunities and employer profiles. (naw.appawards.co.uk) 

Looking Ahead: Apprenticeships for a Stronger Early Years Sector 

National Apprenticeship Week is more than just a celebration - it’s a reminder that apprenticeships are a strategic workforce solution. By investing in apprenticeship training, early years settings can cultivate staff who are skilled, motivated and loyal. With support from organisations like Parenta, apprenticeships can become a cornerstone in solving the staffing crisis and enhancing the quality of care and education. 

Whether you’re just starting your apprenticeship journey or looking to expand your training programmes, there’s no better time than now to take action. 

 

How Parenta Can Support Your Apprenticeship Journey 

At Parenta, we understand the dual challenges that early years settings face: finding the right people and supporting their development once they’re on board. That’s why we’re committed to helping you make the most of apprenticeship opportunities in a way that works for you. 

Here’s how Parenta can help:

Recruitment support 

We guide you through the whole apprenticeship recruitment process, including identifying the right candidates. We understand the early years sector and can help you find apprentices whose skills and personalities align with your setting. 

Training and development 

Parenta offers quality training courses designed to support apprentices in delivering excellent early years care and education. Whether someone is just starting at Level 2 or progressing to higher levels, we can support their learning journey and help you meet regulatory standards. 

Retention strategies 

We help you embed apprenticeships in your broader staffing strategy, so apprentices become long-term contributors rather than temporary recruits. This includes guidance on mentorship, professional development and career progression within your setting. 

Staff Training - Take Your Team To New Heights!

 

Other articles:
Apprenticeship Provider Of The Year: Parenta Wins VTCT Award
Parenta’s Solution To The Early Years Staffing Crisis? A New Fast-Track Level 3 EYE Apprenticeship