ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ

Lisa Stratford shares her experience of studying as an apprentice, discusses her progression through level 2, level 3 and higher education, and reflects on how the scheme has helped to shape her career so far within the sector.

Apprenticeships offer opportunities for early years staff to gain national qualifications whilst they develop the practical skills involved in working with children in their settings. For many learners, this is a preferred way of studying. 

The framework of qualifications contained in the Apprenticeship continues to change and develop, with an on-going debate about the level of Maths and English that should be achieved, and exactly which qualifications provide the skills required to adequately support children’s learning in these areas.

Despite this debate, there are Apprenticeship candidates busily completing their studies. The following case-study takes the time to examine one learner’s experiences and opinions, as an individual directly involved in the day-to-day Apprenticeship experience.

Lisa Stratford studied as an Apprentice at level 2 and level 3 before progressing to higher education, where she has very recently graduated with a BA (Hons) Early Years. In this account, Lisa reflects upon how developing through the Apprenticeship scheme has shaped her career so far within the sector.

Lisa’s story

Like many other professionals, I started my career in early years as a volunteer in a pre-school when my children were very young. Subsequently I was then approached by the manager and asked if I would like to gain an accredited qualification through the apprenticeship training route.

Initially my biggest fear was returning to study and the prospect of examinations; however, it wasn’t like that at all. A great deal of the course is demonstrating your everyday skills in the workplace to a visiting assessor, while attending class one day a week to learn the theory aspects.The support I received was brilliant and the knowledge helped me fully appreciate why I was carrying out certain tasks and the theory behind them; this knowledge also contributed to decision making around my own children.

Another part of the apprenticeship framework involved studying for level 1 Mathematics and English which renewed my confidence in these areas.

On completion of the level 2, I was offered the opportunity to apply for the level 3 higher apprenticeship and fresh from my success, I welcomed the opportunity to progress my career further. The mode of study remained the same, so I could continue to work in the setting whilst studying. Alongside the national childcare qualification, I progressed to level 2 in Mathematics and English, and successfully achieved a food hygiene certificate.

Half way through the course during a tutorial, my tutor and I discussed progression and I began to consider moving to a level 4 Foundation Degree in Early Years.

Bromley College offered the opportunity to study as part of a provision for Greenwich University. An essential requirement for acceptance was a recognised qualification at level 2 in Mathematics and English. Studying with the Apprenticeship route had provided me with a portfolio of qualifications which ensured I was accepted at this point in my career.

The Apprenticeship also help me to develop the academic skills which were essential for higher level study including referencing, writing assignments and relating theory to practice.

Having spent the past few years studying for a full BA (Hons) Early Years, I have completed this course and in June 2016, heard that I had achieved an upper second class (2:1) honours degree. I am now hoping to develop my career by working with the children’s services sector, and I am researching further study by seeking out information on play therapy courses. 

I would strongly recommend studying via the apprenticeship route, as it gives you the perfect study route to apply the theory to your everyday practice. 

To find out more about studying through an apprenticeship with the ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ, please phone the ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ’s Training Centre on: 01732 363070 or email: training.centre@pre-school.org.uk