Shaye and Skye of Tops Day Nursey in Poole.
Published: February 12, 2025 | Updated: 17th February 2025
As we hit the halfway point of National Apprenticeships Week, the Department for Education has published results from its survey of Gen Z individuals across the UK.
A total of 2,000 16-to-26-year-olds were asked what they thought of early years apprenticeships – the pros, cons and what a course in the field might entail.
Here in Dorset, one in four respondents were unaware that apprenticeships were available in early years learning and development, but over three quarters said they’d ‘definitely consider’ one.
When thinking about top obstacles to applying for work in early years, Dorset’s Gen Z cited not feeling patient enough, lacking skills, and finding the idea of working with children daunting as the main factors.
Among those excelling in the field locally is 19-year-old Jazmin from Poole, who signed up with Southbourne-based Tops & Aspire Careers (which brings together Tops Day Nurseries and apprenticeships provider Aspire Training Team) in May 2023.
Having recently completed her NCFE CACHE level 2 diploma for early years practitioners, she’s now working towards her level 3 early years educator qualification.
Jazmin’s ultimate aspiration is to one day run her own nursery.
Bournemouth & Poole College and Weymouth College both offer a variety of early years courses for would-be apprentices.
Stephen Morgan MP, minister for early education, said: “As part of our Plan for Change, this government is determined to deliver an early years system that gives every child the best start in life – and high quality early years starts with high quality educators.
“It’s brilliant to see that over three quarters of young people would consider an early years apprenticeship and over half of those see it as a rewarding successful career.
“I’ve seen first-hand the dedication of early years educators, who play a crucial role in nurturing the skills, creativity and confidence that children need to thrive.
“The level 3 early years educator apprenticeship is not just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of something truly special, providing quality education and care for our youngest learners.”
