10 Reasons Apprenticeships Are Worth Another Look for Independent Nurseries
Let’s be honest with ourselves – employing and keeping quality staff in early years education is pretty hard right now.
Experienced practitioners are worn out, income is tight, and every time someone leaves, you’re back to square one, scrambling to keep within ratio with demand on the rise and set to rise more in September with a further expansion in government-funded childcare.
For many, apprenticeships can feel like more hassle than they’re worth – extra work, extra training, and they don’t even count fully towards ratios. But before you write them off, here are ten real reasons why they might actually be exactly what your setting needs.
1. They take work at first - but give back over time
It’s true, apprentices need guidance. At first, they’ll ask a lot of questions. They’ll need support. And yes, some days it might feel easier just to do it yourself.
But fast forward a few months. That apprentice is now a capable extra pair of hands. They’re covering tasks that free up your qualified staff. They’ve grown in confidence, and instead of feeling like a drain, they’re actually lightening the load.
2. Staff burnout is real
As you will know, your current team, as great as they are, is stretched thin. Apprentices who pick up instructions quickly help ease the workload while learning on the job…and yes we realise you would not want to put all apprentices in your ratios from the get go but with a little support, many can be counted.
3. SEND needs are rising and apprentices learn how to support them
More children are arriving with additional needs, and it’s falling to nurseries to support them. Apprenticeships cover essential SEND training, giving your team a strong foundation in how to help children who need that extra bit of support.
This isn’t just about ticking a compliance box, it’s about making sure your team actually knows what to do when faced with increasing SEND demand, delivering real help and improving outcomes for children.
4. They’re FREE (or almost Free) to train
Let’s start with the obvious: apprenticeships are heavily funded by the government. If you’re a small nursery that doesn’t pay into the Apprenticeship Levy, your maximum contribution is just 5% of the course cost—this makes apprenticeship training the most cost effective training options you’ll ever have access to.
In some cases, you might even get 100% of the training funded, meaning you’re growing your own practitioner at little to no cost.
5. You train them your way
No retraining bad habits from elsewhere. In conjunction with your training provider, you can teach apprentices the individual skills for working with children and routines that suit your setting’s needs. They learn your nursery’s values from day one, building a strong nursery team. They will require some off the job learning throughout the week but this can be fitted around your rotas and timetables.
6. Some will leave....Many will stay!
Let’s be real—not every apprentice will stick around. Some will decide early years isn’t for them. Others will qualify and move on. That’s just how the workforce works.
But plenty will stay, especially if they feel valued and see a future with you. If you give them a reason to commit—progression to Level 3 or 5 or a clear career path, they’re far more likely to become long-term team members.
7. Stronger relationships with families
Apprentices who grow within your nursery build lasting bonds with children and parents, creating a more stable and trusted environment. As we all know that leads to great word of mouth, an essential way to ensure your setting thrives in the local community.
8. Fresh energy can be a good thing (with the right support)
Yes, most apprentices are young. And yes, that sometimes comes with a little attitude, commitment wobbles, and the odd day where they’re late. But they also brings enthusiasm, new ideas, and a fresh perspective.
With clear expectations and good mentoring, many young apprentices rise to the challenge and bring a buzz to your team. They’re keen to learn, and with the right guidance, they become valuable team players.
9. You need a modern approach to learning
Apprentices are trained in the latest Early Years frameworks and teaching methods with training companies like Orange Moon Training. This can help your nursery stay up to date with best practices and with improving nursery performance.
10. The right training provider makes a big difference
Not all apprenticeships are created equal. If you’ve had a bad experience in the past, it’s probably because the training provider’s service wasn’t tailored to early years. That’s where we come in.
We specialise exclusively in early years and education. We know the sector inside out. We’ve seen it all and we know the best ways to work with apprentices and settings to get results. We guide you through funding, training, and progression routes, so that your apprentice doesn’t just get a certificate—they get the skills to be an asset to your setting.
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships aren’t perfect, and they’re not a magic fix. But done right, they’re one of the most practical, affordable, and sustainable ways to build a strong, skilled team.
If you’re tired of the recruitment merry-go-round and want to create your own pipeline of talent, let’s chat. We’ll help you navigate funding, training, and progression – without the headache.
Because the future of your nursery isn’t just about today’s staff – it’s about who you’re growing for tomorrow.
Want to explore apprenticeships for your setting? Get in touch with Orange Moon Training today.
