The Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) childcare apprenticeship saw significant changes at the beginning of April this year, including a funding increase, a revised fully remote approach, and the Level 3 Diploma removal. As a source of practical information for employers like yourself, this blog will cover all the most frequently asked questions that we are being asked about the EYE apprenticeship as a trusted training provider, such as how to begin your apprentice hiring journey, and how we deliver the apprenticeship.
FAQ 1: I’ve never had an apprentice before, what do I do?
When looking to recruit an apprentice, our friendly and experienced team is on hand to discover the freshest upcoming talent in your business area. Upon contacting us and registering your interest via info@ctskills.co.uk, we will allocate either Ross Braker (ross.braker@ctskills.co.uk) or Kerry Redgate (kerry.redgate@ctskills.co.uk), as your childcare apprenticeship specialist with a combined total of almost 20 years’ experience in the sector, to your hiring journey, who will contact you to discuss how we can support and meet your business needs.
They will guide you through the crucial steps to support your business in setting up a Government Apprenticeship (DAS) account, including what funding is available, eligibility criteria, and entry requirements. Need help hiring? Our talented in-house Recruitment Manager Lesley Bell (lesley.bell@ctskills.co.uk), is ready to find the ideal candidate for your role, advertising your vacancy on widely-known and specialist apprenticeship job boards, and screening candidates for your requirements and desired characteristics – this service is completely free. Alternatively, if you have an existing employee you would like to upskill with an apprenticeship, we will explain the process and organise their enrolment.
FAQ 2: How do you deliver the EYE apprenticeship?
Our EYE apprenticeships are flexible and delivered remotely across 15 months (+ 3 months for the End Point Assessment) to suit your organisation. Your apprentice will typically meet with their Trainer Assessor monthly via a Microsoft Teams call and will have access to an e-portfolio system called Smart Assessor. Smart Assessor is a user-friendly tool that keeps track of any appointments your apprentice may have, in addition to monitoring progress and a place to upload their hard work.
Our first-rate Trainer Assessors are experts in their field and are renowned for effectively coaching learners, giving them the best possible kickstart to their career with your company.
One of our previous learners, speaking about her CT Skills Trainer Assessor:
“I am delighted to share my journey of achieving a distinction in my Business Administration apprenticeship. My assessor played a pivotal role in this achievement. Her guidance was invaluable, and her encouragement was the driving force behind my success. Liz was not just an assessor, but a mentor who believed in my potential and pushed me to excel. Her expertise in the field and her dedication to my progress were truly amazing. I am grateful for her support and would highly recommend her for her exceptional skills and commitment. Her contribution to my distinction is undeniable and I am thrilled to give her a glowing review.”
Every 10 weeks, we at CT Skills will conduct progress review meetings involving the learner, their Line Manager, and Trainer Assessor to discuss your apprentice’s progress and help to prepare them for their EPA (End Point Assessment).
If you are wondering whether the Level 3 EYE contains appropriate teaching for your business, a few of the key themes covered by the apprenticeship include:
- Key Person and Attachment
- Learning and Development
- Risk Management
- Safeguarding
- Relationships
To browse the full range of themes covered by our EYE apprenticeship, click here.
FAQ 3: Do learners need a Level 2 to proceed to the Level 3?
Fortunately, candidates do not need to have already achieved a Level 2 to enrol on the Level 3 EYE apprenticeship. Providing candidates are competent, can evidence Maths and English to an ample level, and have sufficient responsibility within their role to achieve the criteria for Level 3, they are welcome to apply for an EYE apprenticeship.
Better still, candidates do not always require a specified level of Maths and English depending on previously gained qualifications. Their eligibility for acceptance onto the apprenticeship can also be subject to the results of their initial assessments conducted by us. Upon completing the initial assessments and if they meet the entry requirements, candidates can enrol onto Maths and English with us alongside their apprenticeship.
We know that not every employer is currently in a position to hire an apprentice with us; however, your staff could still reap the benefits of our upskilling and informative resources on our website! Our brand-new Careers Hub is live, offering hints, tips, and CV-boosting guidance to help ambitious individuals achieve their career goals. Dive in by clicking here.
We hope this blog has been useful in answering any initial questions you may have about the EYE apprenticeship and your business. If you would like to delve in further and explore more about the course or our complimentary recruitment service, why not get in touch? We are available via info@ctskills.co.uk.