Apprenticeships at Hungry Caterpillars
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Growing Talent at Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries
National Apprenticeship Week is a time to reflect on the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future workforce. At Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries, we understand that recruiting qualified practitioners remains a challenge. That’s why we have reviewed our ‘Workforce Development Plan’ and committed to growing our own talent through apprenticeships. This approach ensures a stable future workforce while also giving back to the early years sector—a field we’ve proudly been part of for 25 years.
What do we offer?
We offer apprenticeships at Levels 2, 3, and 5, supporting staff as they work towards degree qualifications. These opportunities are available to both new recruits and existing team members looking to develop their careers. Our Level 5 program is specifically designed for those in leadership roles or those aspiring to step into leadership in the future.
Additionally, we have introduced a fast-track diploma route for select newly recruited apprentices, allowing them to complete their qualification in just six months. This initiative has enabled us to accelerate the qualification process, strengthening our workforce while contributing to the early years sector’s growth.
Flexible Pathways to Support Diverse Learners
Recognising that every learner is different, we offer several pathways to accommodate various learning styles and needs:
Blended Learning Route: Apprentices are employed full-time while completing their early years training with an external training provider. This ‘earn while you learn’ model is ideal for school leavers with strong GCSEs in Maths and English, as well as career changers re-entering the workforce.
College Partnership Route: We collaborate with local sixth forms and colleges to recruit apprentices or guide applicants towards college-based training. This pathway provides additional support for those needing extra help with Maths and English.
Foundation Route: For applicants not yet ready for a Level 2 qualification, we facilitate placements within our nurseries while they complete their initial training at a local college. This ensures they are prepared to transition into a full apprenticeship.
All apprentices undergo an assessment process to determine the most suitable pathway, ensuring they receive the support necessary for success. Each apprentice is also paired with a mentor who provides weekly check-ins, and our dedicated Apprentice Coordinator oversees their progress.
Beyond Qualifications: Building Essential Life Skills
Our apprenticeship program goes beyond formal qualifications. Apprentices develop essential workplace skills such as time management, reliability, teamwork, and professionalism. Many young apprentices join us with low confidence, and through consistent support, encouragement, and mentorship, we see them flourish.
Our Level 2 apprenticeship focuses on building foundational knowledge and creativity in early years education, while the Level 3 program enhances skills in child development and creating enriching learning environments. The Level 5 apprenticeship equips practitioners to become skilled leaders who can mentor and support others.
Career Progression and Success Stories
We are proud of the career progression opportunities available through our apprenticeship program. Here are a few success stories:
An Apprentice is now a Deputy Manager
A Nursery Manager started as an apprentice and has worked her way up through the ranks.
A former Apprentice is now one of our incredible Pre-School Room Managers.
Our Growing Apprenticeship Program
In the past 8 to 10 months, our apprenticeship program has grown significantly—from 10-15 apprentices to nearly 40 at any given time. This expansion has been made possible through partnerships with the London Progression Collaboration (LPC) and securing over £150,000 in levy transfer funding.
We have actively participated in working groups to address sector challenges, including a roundtable event with key decision-makers such as John Glen MP, City & Guilds, and the Treasury. As a result, the cap on non-levy apprenticeships for SMEs has been lifted, removing a major financial barrier for businesses like ours.
Recognition and Future Commitments
Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries is proud to be a Platinum Member of the 5% Club, which recognises businesses with 5% or more of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions. We also ranked #33 in the SME Top Apprenticeship Employers in the UK.
We won Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year at the NMT Awards in 2022 and have been finalists in 2023 and 2024.
Our commitment to apprenticeships extends beyond recruitment. We actively participate in career events, offer placements for students, and provide mock interviews to prepare future early years practitioners for success. Through strategic partnerships with colleges and training providers, we ensure that aspiring early years professionals have access to the best possible training and development opportunities.
Looking Ahead
We aim to maintain and expand our apprentice workforce to 40+ learners, fostering long-term career growth within Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries. Our continued work with the LPC and West London College includes organizing a roundtable event to discuss sector-wide support strategies, funding accessibility, and apprenticeship recruitment.
Investing in apprenticeships is investing in the future of early years education. By nurturing talent from within, we are not only securing our own workforce but also contributing to the broader early years sector. National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to celebrate our apprentices, their achievements, and the bright future they are helping to build.
If you’re interested in joining our apprenticeship program, get in touch with us today and start your journey in early years education!
Interested in joining out team? Apply today!
