Why age is just a number when it comes to Apprenticeships

Despite the majority of the UK workforce wrongly believing they are ‘too old’ to become an apprentice, there is actually no apprenticeship age limit, and sadly the perceived age barrier in apprenticeships can cause missed opportunities.

This National Apprenticeship Week, we are looking at the journeys of our current eldest and youngest apprentices, to debunk the common misconception that apprentices are only for younger people.

Apprenticeships are often cited as being a great career path and alternative to university for young people, however, there are also many ways apprentices can benefit older people in their careers – from upskilling to restarting in a completely new field.

Did you know, the average age for an apprentice is 29?

We spoke to 16-year-old Neve Paton-Holden, who is new to childcare, and Sarah Hayward, 53, who has been working in childcare for over 32 years, about their journey at Kids Planet so far, and their views on apprenticeships:

Why did you choose an apprenticeship?

Neve: I chose to do an apprenticeship because I have always wanted to work with children and saw that you could do an apprenticeship in childcare at a nursery. I investigated this more and saw I could get paid and get a qualification and gain the experience all at the same time. I didn’t want to go to a classroom environment.

Sarah: I eagerly applied for a nursery practitioner role with Kids Planet last year, and it became apparent that my child care qualification, which I completed more than 30 years ago, was no longer valid. However, I was thrilled to receive a call from the Manager at Kids Planet Chester offering me the job.

I was even more pleased when she offered to put me through an Early Years Educator (Level 3) qualification in the form of an apprenticeship. For me, this was the perfect opportunity to keep my brain active, refresh my knowledge and ensure I remain up to date with current methods of practice and legislation.

What is a typical day in the life of an apprentice?

Neve: For me, no day is the same and I have different experiences every day. I go into different rooms and meet new people and new children, and I get the experience and the skills from working in different rooms. I am forever gaining new knowledge; I can ask questions, and everyone always wants to help and support me.

Sarah: Working in a nursery is busy from the time you start your shift right up until you finish! There’s never a dull moment, but I go home feeling a huge sense of reward and job satisfaction.

I work hard to establish positive relationships with the children and their families, and this helps me to understand their wants and needs. Throughout the day I ensure I meet their needs, and I enjoy being a positive role model within their lives.

What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?

Neve: The benefit for me is I get paid whilst getting qualified, I have also made new friends.

Sarah: The real benefit of an apprenticeship is working on the job; I’m learning and being paid for doing so. My personal tutor comes out to visit me at least once per month to deliver and support me with each unit, and also assesses me through other means such as through conversations and observations.

I’m able to contact my tutor for advice and support, and I also have my dedicated mentor within the nursery. It had been a long time since I’d had to write an assignment, so it was definitely beneficial to have so much support!

Recently, I have been promoted to Room Senior in Toddlers, which I’m delighted about, and I believe that studying towards the Level 3 has enabled me to achieve this.

Would you recommend the apprenticeship route to others?

Neve: Yes definitely, I have already told a friend that this is a good route, and she has now got a job as an early year’s apprentice.

Sarah: I would highly recommend an apprenticeship with Kids Planet because It offers the chance to link theory with practice, and the course is set out in a straightforward way. I have plenty of people around me to draw on for advice and support, such as my mentor, tutor and manager. There’s nothing to lose but a lot to gain!

What do you like about working in Early Years?

Neve: All I have ever wanted is to work in childcare in a nursery. I always used to go past CliftonLodge and say I want to work there. I enjoy working with children, I like to see them learn, develop, and grow.

Sarah: I have always worked in child care, it’s my passion and I find it so much fun working with the under-fives. I enjoy watching them grow and develop. Watching their little personalities come out is wonderful, and I love implementing ‘in the moment’ planning when creating learning activities; this draws upon the children’s experiences and interests, making it more personalised to them.

How do you fit the apprenticeship around your home and social life?

Neve: I get one day a week ‘off the job’ to do my coursework, which supports me to do my work at work and everyone is there on hand to help me.  I finish work and go home and do what I like to do with my family and friends.

Sarah: It fits in nicely with my home lifestyle as my children are older and independent so don’t really need me as much now. Hobby wise I enjoy reading and buying books, I am always buying children’s books too so they come in handy for work!

For more information about our range of training courses, please email training@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk.