Apprenticeship Employer 2026 | Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries

We’re thrilled to share some brilliant news: Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries has been named a Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK for 2026, ranking #24, an award recognised by the UK Government and HigherIn.

It’s the kind of news that makes us want to shout it from the rooftops, but if we’re honest, what we’re most proud of isn’t the ranking itself, it’s what it represents.

What our apprenticeship employer 2026 award actually recognises

The Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers list recognises small and medium-sized businesses across the UK who go above and beyond in how they train, support and develop apprentices, the structure of their programmes, the outcomes for the people going through them, and the genuine career pathways that come out the other end.

For us, that’s always been the whole point of taking on apprentices in the first place. Early years childcare isn’t something you can learn overnight. Every apprentice who joins us gets proper training, a real mentor, and the time and support to grow into the role, not just a job title and a hope for the best.

Why this matters more than a certificate on the wall

Here’s the bit we’re proudest of: several of our current nursery managers started their careers with us as apprentices.

That’s not a coincidence. It’s what happens when you take training seriously from day one, when apprentices are treated as future colleagues, and when the people mentoring them are invested in seeing them succeed, not just get through their qualification.

Since founding Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries back in 1999, we’ve believed that the quality of care a nursery provides comes down to one thing above all else: the people delivering it. This award is a reminder that the way we’ve chosen to invest in our team works.

A thank you, really

Awards like this always end up being less about the organisation and more about the people in it. So to every apprentice who has trained with us, and every manager and mentor who has shown them the ropes along the way, this one’s genuinely for you. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we mean that.

Thinking about a career in early years?

If this has got you thinking about where an apprenticeship in childcare might take you, we’d love to hear from you. We’re currently looking for apprentices to join our teams at our Hanwell and West Twyford nurseries. With proper training, a real mentor, and genuine support behind you from day one.

See our current apprenticeship opportunities →