Little Shipmates Apprenticeship Programme
Hello!This is more than just a job - it’s the start of a meaningful career where every day brings new challenges, growth, and the chance to make a real difference. If you’re looking for a role that’s active, rewarding, and full of purpose, childcare offers all of that and more.
At Little Shipmates Day Nurseries, we don’t just train apprentices - we invest in future practitioners. From your very first day, you’ll be part of a supportive team, gaining hands-on experience in a high-quality nursery environment while working towards recognised qualifications.
Our apprenticeship programme is designed to do more than teach the basics - it’s built to develop confident, capable early years professionals. With experienced mentors, real responsibility, and a clear development pathway, you’ll be learning, growing, and building valuable skills every day. Whether you’re just leaving school or looking for a fresh direction, this is your opportunity to earn, gain qualifications, and progress into a long-term career - while helping shape young lives at the very beginning of their journey.
More Than an Apprenticeship - A Real Start to Your Career
At Little Shipmates Day Nurseries, an apprenticeship means being part of a team that genuinely supports your development. You won’t be left to figure things out on your own - you’ll be guided by experienced practitioners who are invested in helping you succeed.
We take pride in delivering high standards of care and learning across our nurseries, creating environments where both children and staff can thrive. That means as an apprentice, you’ll be learning the right way from the very beginning.
You’ll also be trusted with real responsibility. From supporting children’s development to being part of daily routines, you’ll play an active role in nursery life - not just observing from the sidelines.
3. What Makes Us Different
This is where you sell your brand:
Your ethos and approach to childcare
How you invest in staff development
Mentorship and leadership involvement
Any unique programmes, curriculum, or environment
4. Your Apprenticeship Journey
Make the pathway crystal clear:
Entry level (e.g. Level 2 / Level 3)
What they’ll learn at each stage
How long it takes
What support they get along the way
A simple timeline or “step-by-step” works well here.
5. Training & Support
This is huge for attracting quality candidates:
Dedicated mentors or room leaders
Study time / coursework support
Regular reviews and feedback
External training providers (if applicable)
6. Career Progression – Where Can This Take You?
This is one of the most persuasive sections:
Apprentice → Practitioner → Room Leader → Management
Real examples of staff who progressed internally
Emphasise long-term careers, not just placements
7. A Day in the Life of an Apprentice
Make it real and relatable:
What they actually do day-to-day
Balance of learning vs hands-on care
Interaction with children, parents, team
8. Apprentice Stories / Testimonials
This builds trust quickly:
Quotes from current or past apprentices
Short case studies (“started at 17, now room leader”)
Photos if possible
9. Pay, Benefits & Perks
Be transparent—this matters more than many employers think:
Salary or wage structure
Paid training
Holidays, perks, bonuses (if any)
Uniform, meals, wellbeing support
10. What We’re Looking For
Set expectations clearly:
Passion for childcare
Attitude over experience
Key qualities (reliability, warmth, willingness to learn)
11. Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Keep it simple and clear:
Age requirements
GCSEs (if needed)
Right to work, etc.
12. How to Apply
Make this frictionless:
Simple steps (Apply → Interview → Start)
Contact details
Quick enquiry form