Early Years Apprentices at Seymour House: A Q&A for Apprentice Week

This Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the full early years apprenticeship journey at Seymour House, from those just starting out as an early years apprentice to educators who have completed their qualification and progressed within our nurseries.

To give a real insight into life as an early years apprentice at Seymour House, we sat down with Aaliyah and Courtney to hear about their experiences, reflections and advice for anyone considering an early years apprenticeship.

Aaliyah is a new early years apprentice, just four months into her apprenticeship and already building confidence in her homebase room. Courtney has completed her Level 3 early years apprenticeship and is now a qualified Senior Early Years Educator, continuing to grow her career at Seymour House.

Together, their stories show how an early years apprenticeship at Seymour House offers careers that sparkle with purpose, supporting children to explore, discover and thrive, while our educators grow, learn and flourish within a passionate, supportive team.

Why did you choose to become an early years apprentice?

Aaliyah:
“I picked an apprenticeship because I wanted a learning pathway with a mix of practical and hands-on experience. It allows me to develop real skills in a professional environment while gaining the qualification.”

Courtney:
“I have always had a passion for supporting others, being the oldest sibling and cousin. An apprenticeship offered me the opportunity to develop my skills, gain a qualification and have hands-on experience every day.”

Where are you in your early years apprenticeship journey?

Aaliyah:
“I am currently four months into my apprenticeship. I have just passed my probation at 16 weeks and have developed my confidence in leading activities within my homebase room.”

Courtney:
“I have completed my Level 3 early years apprenticeship and I am now a Senior Early Years Educator at Seymour House.”

What is the most rewarding part of an early years apprenticeship?

Aaliyah:
“The best part of the apprenticeship is seeing the children in my homebase room grow, develop and reach milestones. I also love seeing their smiles every morning and how excited they are to see their educators.”

Courtney:
“The most rewarding part has been seeing the children I have supported thriving and happy, as well as gaining the qualifications I worked so hard for.”

What support helped you succeed during your early years apprenticeship?

Courtney:
“The support from my management team, who knew exactly how to support me in the best ways, as well as my amazing team and mentors who role modelled and supported me throughout.”

How have your skills and confidence developed as an early years apprentice?

Aaliyah:
“I have developed my confidence, especially when leading activities within my room.”

Courtney:
“Since qualifying, I have had an abundance of opportunities to continue developing my skills and career with Seymour House. I am now a Senior Early Years Educator, which showcases how my knowledge and confidence have continually improved.”

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your progress?

Aaliyah:
“One moment I recall is being mentioned on our team values recognition board. I felt proud to be recognised for my hard work and for my engaging delivery of our children’s activity setups, called invitations to play.”

How did your early years apprenticeship prepare you for your current role?

Courtney:
“Completing my apprenticeship prepared me for my role now, as I had the opportunity to learn and develop my knowledge about this career and the further paths available to me.”

How has completing an early years apprenticeship opened up new opportunities?

Courtney:
“I am now an experienced Senior Early Years Educator and I am currently completing my Level 5 apprenticeship to gain a further qualification as a Lead Early Years Educator. With my experience, I not only support our current Level 3 early years educators as an Apprentice Ambassador, but I have also had the opportunity to complete further programmes such as leadership investment.”

What advice would you give to someone considering an early years apprenticeship?

Aaliyah:
“I would always say to go into it with an open mindset. Every day is different, so it does take patience and a real interest in helping young children flourish.”

Courtney:
“I would describe the apprenticeship experience as fulfilling and meaningful, you get to be part of something really special every day.”

Start your Early Years Apprenticeship at Seymour House
An early years apprenticeship at Seymour House is about more than learning on the job. It’s about being the magic in children’s everyday, building a career that truly sparkles with purpose, and growing within a team that supports you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to begin your journey as an early years apprentice, start your beyond brilliant career with Seymour House and help little ones explore, discover and thrive while you grow, learn and flourish in our passionate, supportive team.

Learn more about our apprenticeships and how to join the Seymour House family here.