Early Learning and Childcare
Graduate Apprenticeship
What's Early Learning and Childcare like?
With a Graduate Apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare, you can build a rewarding career caring for children. You'll help them become happy, healthy, confident young adults, while you learn new skills and gain a degree.
We've worked with colleges, universities and industry employers to create this qualification. You'll gain the skills and knowledge the industry expects from a graduate - and earn yourself a degree.
You'll gain a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9. When you complete it you'll achieve the following qualification(s):
BA degree in Early Learning and Childcare at SCQF Level 9
A GA is much more than getting a degree. As it’s work-based, you'll also gain a range of useful experience and skills such as:
managing relationships and understanding policies
using creativity and innovation to boost positive learning
promoting partnership and communication between children, parents, carers, colleagues and the community
understanding the law and policies on safeguarding and wellbeing
establishing fairness, respect and shared values
promoting inclusive relationships
choosing, preparing and using resources to engage, support and include each child
understanding the concepts of play and how it links to the curriculum
identifying 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 are:
core and meta-skills
general skills for working in support of others
specific skills for Early Learning and Childcare
Developing skills
Your Graduate Apprenticeship will also help you to develop meta-skills. Employers value these skills, which include:
communication
problem-solving
working with others
time management
being adaptable
leading teams
These skills are crucial for your future life and career as they help you to:
cope and excel during change
solve problems
collaborate with others
You could find employment in roles such as:
early years practitioner
nursery manager
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for Graduate Apprenticeships vary by course and institution.
Each vacancy advert tells you what qualifications you need to start the apprenticeship. Or you can contact the university for guidance on entry requirements.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll study at university about 1 day a week. When you complete the apprenticeship you’ll have achieved an honours degree.
How long will it take?
This is a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9 (Ordinary degree level) and will take up to 3 years to complete.
You might complete the apprenticeship in a shorter time. That’s because you might have prior learning or experience that can be taken into consideration. This means you don’t have to repeat some parts of the qualification.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.