Please note, to enrol on an apprenticeship you must be working in a relevant sector for at least 16 hours per week. If you are not currently employed, you can view our apprenticeship vacancies here. You do not need to be employed to apply for these and new vacancies are added regularly.
Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes and as childminders.
The purpose of the Level 3 Years Educator is to plan and supervise child initiated and adult led activities which are based around the needs and interests of each individual child. Learners will support children to develop numeracy and language skills through games and play. They will also have key responsibilities to help ensure each child feels safe and secure. With additional experience, an Early Years Educator can progress onto a manager role within an early year setting.
Learners without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking their end point assessment, this can be achieved alongside their apprenticeship. Learners must also successfully complete one of the following: The Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid, The Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid.
The Level 3 Early Years Educator consists of two discrete assessment methods:
The performance of the learners End Point Assessment will determine their overall apprenticeship standard and grade.
View and download our guide to this course here
Here is the Skills England Page that details the full standard for this apprenticeship including the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that learners must demonstrate.
As well as ensuring full competency as an Early Years Educator, this standard provides a foundation for potential progression into several career paths in the Educational sector.
It's a work-based training programme that lets you earn a salary while qualifying as an Early Years Educator, working with children from birth to five. You'll split your time between hands-on experience in a real childcare setting and structured off-the-job training (OTJT) — planned learning time built into your paid working hours. It's open to both new starters and existing staff looking to upskill. Once combined with a Paediatric First Aid qualification and the required English standard, it's recognised by the Department for Education as a full, relevant qualification meaning you can count within statutory staffing ratios.
Yes - you get a recognised qualification while earning a wage, with no tuition fees or student debt, since the government and your employer fund the programme. It's a direct route into a long-term childcare career, backed by a dedicated tutor and your employer throughout. As you progress into room leader, deputy manager or management roles, there's real potential for higher pay and more responsibility. Many employers also treat their apprentices as a long-term investment, keeping them on as qualified staff once they finish.
No - you don't need previous childcare qualifications to start a Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship, though requirements can vary by employer. What matters most is being in a suitable Early Years role where you can build and show the skills the apprenticeship covers. You'll need reasonable IT skills and access to a device and internet, since much of the learning happens online. English and maths requirements depend on your age and existing qualifications, with Functional Skills support available if you need it.
It typically takes 15–18 months, depending on your experience, working hours and progress. You'll stay employed throughout, with support from a dedicated tutor and protected time for off-the-job training built into your paid hours. Your employer also provides mentoring and supervision along the way to help you complete on time.
You could move into roles like Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Preschool Practitioner, Room Leader or Childcare Practitioner. It's recognised across the sector as a full, relevant qualification, and many employers keep successful apprentices on as qualified staff. From there, it can lead into senior practitioner, management or other leadership roles in Early Years.
The Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised work based programme for individuals providing administrative support within an organisation. It develops transferable skills including communication, customer service, project support, IT systems, record management, and problem solving across any sector.
The apprenticeship is suitable for both new recruits and existing employees in administrative, office based, or business support roles. It is ideal for administrators, receptionists, coordinators, executive assistants, and business support staff looking to formalise and develop their skills.
The apprenticeship typically takes around 18 months to complete. Apprentices remain employed throughout, receive support from a dedicated PTS tutor, and complete off the job training during paid working hours alongside their day to day role.
Apprentices never pay for their training. For non-levy employers, the employer contribution is typically £250 plus VAT, with the government funding the remaining cost. PTS can also support employers in accessing Apprenticeship Levy Transfer funding to reduce costs further.
The apprenticeship leads to roles including Senior Administrator, Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Project Coordinator, and Business Support Manager. It also provides a strong progression route into management, leadership, and specialist business roles across every sector.
