Early Learning and Childcare

With a Graduate Apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare, build a rewarding career caring for children; to help them grow into happy, healthy and confident young adults. We’ve worked with employers, college and universities in the childcare industry to create this qualification. This means you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and understanding that the industry expects from a graduate.

The qualification

You’ll gain a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF level 9 entitled:

Graduate Apprenticeship (BA) in Early Learning and Childcare

What will I learn?

A GA is about much more than just getting a degree. As it’s work-based, also gain a whole range of useful experience and skills such as:

• Linking theory and practice by managing relationships and understanding policies
• Using creativeness and innovation to boost positive learning to benefit children and their families
• Promoting partnership and communication between children, parents, carers, colleagues, the community and other external agencies
• Understanding the legal requirements and national policies on safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children
• Encouraging and establishing fairness, respect and shared values across diverse individuals, and promoting inclusive relationships with and between each child and family
• Having detailed knowledge on choosing, preparing and using a range of resources to engage, support, include and challenge each child’s needs
• Understanding the concepts of play, how it links to the curriculum of learning and identifying appropriate next steps in a child’s development

Course content

The key content areas which make up the Early Learning and Childcare: SCQF level 9 Graduate Apprenticeship:

• Core and meta-skills
• General skills for working in support of others
• Specific skills for Early Learning and Childcare 

Where could it take me?

You could find employment in roles like:

• Early years practitioner
• Nursery manager

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for Graduate Apprenticeships vary by course and institution. Each vacancy advert has information on what qualifications you need to start the GA. Alternatively, you can contact the university or college directly for guidance on entry requirements.