What made you choose an early years apprenticeship and how did you get started?

I have always wanted to work with children but never understood how it all worked, and I didn’t ever have the confidence to just call up a nursery and ask the questions. I went between different jobs that I didn’t enjoy and always found myself wondering about an apprenticeship. I chose to go through the GOV website to see what was available that way, and that’s when I found the nursery I now work at.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as an apprentice, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have faced as an apprentice is finding the time to balance work, personal life, and the apprenticeship. The way I have overcome this is by talking to the people around me who can help me manage my time better. I have also had a change of mindset since beginning my apprenticeship, and I now understand that this is for me and only I can push myself to finish the course and find the time.

What key skills or experiences helped you progress from apprentice to room leader?

When I finished my level 2, I had gained so much knowledge that I felt the confidence to become a room leader. Although I was still learning, I found a skill within myself that I didn’t know I had, which was resilience. There were many times it would have been a lot easier to just give up and move on to something new, but I kept going, and I am now nearly finished my level 3 and have gained so much experience doing so.

How did the support from your tutor, mentor, or nursery team help your development?

The support from my tutor has been the main reason I have not stopped my apprenticeship. She is very firm with me and wants me to believe in myself, which helps me keep going when I’m struggling. Abi has also been my tutor since my level 2 and reminds me every time I speak with her how much I have changed. She also reminds me of the times when I could have easily given up but didn’t, which helps me carry on with the work I have to do.

What achievement are you most proud of in your journey so far?

My biggest achievement so far is becoming a room leader and passing my level 2. Both of these moments were very rewarding for me, as I know how hard I had worked to achieve them.

What does a typical day look like for you as a room leader?

As a room leader, I start the day by working out rotas for the room, deciding where people will be throughout the day. I fill in paperwork, and then the day begins. I make sure everyone is on track with what they need to be doing and check in on my team. I then follow the routine throughout the day and may have meetings, room leader jobs to get done, such as placing mats for the children, planned observations, checking care plans, settling for the rest of the week, and a lot more!

What advice would you give to someone considering an early years apprenticeship?

The advice I would give to someone who wants to begin an early years apprenticeship would be:

• Make sure working with children is something you are passionate about. Childcare is not easy and isn’t for everyone, however, it is one of the most rewarding jobs there is.
• Don’t give up when it feels like it is beginning to get really tough. It gets better, and in the end, you will be walking away with a qualification, which is very, very important.
• If you need help, then ask. Don’t let things build up or act like you understand everything given to you. It’s good to ask questions.