A Smethwick teenager has downed tools on the building site to start a new apprenticeship in early years, joining the tiny band of males in the sector.

Shay Harrison tried his hand at an array of trades after leaving school, including bricklaying, groundworking, decorating and landscaping.

He quickly realised construction wasn’t for him, though, and opted for a dramatic career shift by landing a job at The Old Station Nursery in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Latest official figures show that only two per cent of the people who work in early years education in England are male – a figure that has fallen in recent years.

Undeterred, Shay has embarked on a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship with leading training provider Realise as he looks to build his knowledge.

“School was a bit of a struggle – it didn’t really suit me,” said Shay, speaking during National Apprenticeship Week.

“I fell into construction and tried various trades but it was never something I was passionate about and I felt a bit bored.

“I was thinking about other career options and remembered a project we did in secondary school where we spoke to young children to help with their learning. I enjoyed that so wondered whether working in a nursery was a possibility.

“I am the only man at my nursery but that doesn’t bother me at all. It would be great to see more men in early years, though, as it would benefit the children to have more diversity.”

Shay is due to complete his Level 2 apprenticeship in March – and he has enjoyed the process so much that he is considering moving onto a Level 3 programme later in the year.

“The apprenticeship has broadened by knowledge and made me a better early years educator,” said Shay. “Realise have been excellent. My tutor Karen Jones always listens to me and knows if I need a bit more help with something.

“My plan at the moment is to finish this apprenticeship, have a six-month break and then move onto Level 3.

“I am hoping for a long and successful career in early years. It’s a rewarding role that is always fun and entertaining.”

The total number of Level 2 apprenticeships has been in sharp decline in recent years, plummeting from 91,518 in the academic year 2021-22 to 70,835 two years later.

The total number of nursery practitioners embarking on a Level 2 apprenticeship has also dropped by 5% over the last three academic years from 6,972 to 6,457. Over the same period, Realise’s Level 2 figures have increased by 67% from 443 to 740.

Realise is the largest provider of early years apprenticeships, working with some of the largest nursery settings with programmes from Level 2 to Level 5.

For more information, visit www.realisetraining.com