Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship
Various start dates from August 2025

Our Apprenticeship programmes will give you vital hands-on experience, learning from real life situations, with the guidance of industry professionals. You’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen career.

Workers in childcare need to be imaginative, patient, understanding people who can commit themselves fully to the wellbeing of children. It is a sector with a high demand for well-qualified practitioners.

There are many different career paths you could take with a Childcare Apprenticeship, from Child-Minder or Nanny to Playgroup Leader or Child Psychologist. The course is a great way to build on your skills and gain a recognised qualification whilst also earning a salary.

The Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer great opportunities for people of all ages; an Apprenticeship is a job with training to industry standards, enabling you to enter a recognised occupation. All Apprenticeships are employer led, and as well as providing long term earnings, they also give you the ability to progress.
• You’ll earn a wage as you’re learning and are entitled to paid holidays.
• You can earn 10% more after studying on a Level 3 Apprenticeship than if you went straight in to work.
• 90% of apprentices remain in employment, either with their current employer or another company.
• 85% of employers participate in Apprenticeship programmes and consider them a good thing.
• You can train to post graduate level without incurring any university fees.
• By passing an independent End Point Assessment, you will join thousands of people acquiring a modern and recognised qualification.

We have no live vacancies at the moment
You can also find your own employer. If you already have an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice, then click the yellow 'Express an Interest' button and we will ask for the employer details as part of the request

Each Apprenticeship is exclusively tailored to your training needs because it is based around your daily tasks and duties. You will achieve a NCFE: CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner. You will learn how to care for children from birth to five, and must be able to demonstrate your skills of working with babies, toddlers and preschool children. A Childcare Apprenticeship could focus on helping you to develop
• Child Development
• The role of the Early Years Practitioner
• Listening to and talking with a Young Child
• Providing a safe and hygienic environment
• Child psychology
• Play and learning
• Eating healthily

80% of your qualification will be gained in the workplace, although you may attend sessions in College that will cover the remaining essential areas of your training.

During your Apprenticeship, you will have a dedicated Work Based Tutor who will train you to industry standards; support your time in employment; and coach you to pass your End Point Assessment.

You must have four GCSE’s grades 3 or above including Maths and English. You must be willing to study towards a Level 2 functional skills course in maths/English.

You’ll need enthusiasm, motivation and a keen interest in your chosen sector.

To complete an Apprenticeship you will need an employer who is willing to support you throughout your training. If you have not found one, we can help you with your search.

We’d like to see a proven track record of excellent attendance at work/school, along with a good reference from school/a previous employer.

You’ll be assessed throughout your learning programme by a mixture of formal tests, workplace observations, portfolio building and self-assessment.

In the first instance please send a message to apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk

You need to speak to one of our tutors before you can Apply for this course therefore, please use the 'apply' button on this screen to register your interest. Please be aware that when a member of staff calls you our number will appear as unknown/with-held/private.

Alongside your studies, you’ll have a unique opportunity to be part of the University of Bolton’s EXCEED Programme.
This will give you a range of additional skills and experiences, and includes masterclasses; university visits; access to industry experts; and mentoring and support with your university application, perfect for that next step into Higher Education.
On successful completion of this Apprenticeship, you could progress onto full-time employment, professional job-specific qualifications, Higher Apprenticeships or a degree programme.
Following further study you could work as:
• A Nursery Manager, earning up to £32,000 per year
• A Play Therapist, earning up to £45,000 per year
• A Teaching Assistant, earning up to £23,000 per year

We have a range of dedicated support and wellbeing services including FREE travel, financial support, and impartial advice and guidance. Throughout your Apprenticeship, you’ll also receive one-to-one support from your dedicated Work Based Tutor, helping you to achieve your ambitions

We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.

We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.

You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.

Click the yellow ‘Apply’ button on this page to express your interest.

You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account, so that you can track your application. If we dont think you're ready for an Apprenticeship yet, we'll recommend a relevant Study Programme that could eventually lead to the Apprenticeship you're interested in.

If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email learner.hub@boltoncc.ac.uk

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.