Building a strong, skilled and committed team is one of the most important challenges in early years settings. One highly effective approach is to “grow your own” staff through apprenticeships. This strategy does more than simply fill vacancies - it creates a workforce that shares your setting’s values, understands your way of working, and has real experience with your children before taking on a full role.
Apprenticeships combine formal learning with practical experience. Apprentices gain recognised qualifications while working alongside experienced staff. This dual approach allows them to apply new knowledge immediately while absorbing the culture, routines, and ethos of your setting. For the wider team, it creates continuity: experienced staff have the chance to mentor, and children benefit from familiar faces who understand their needs.
One of the biggest advantages of apprenticeships is staff retention. Recruitment can be costly, unpredictable and disruptive. When you invest in apprentices, you are investing in people who often feel a strong connection to your setting. Many apprentices develop loyalty and are more likely to stay long-term. This loyalty strengthens team culture and reduces turnover, which benefits both staff and children.
Apprenticeships also allow flexibility. You can design the programme to meet the specific needs of your setting and the children you care for. For example, apprentices might focus on early language development, outdoor learning, or supporting children with additional needs. Experienced staff guide apprentices through real-life scenarios, helping them see how theoretical knowledge connects to everyday practice.
To make apprenticeships most effective, integration into the team is key. Apprentices should be treated as valued colleagues, given meaningful responsibilities and supported with regular mentoring. Weekly reflections can be a powerful tool, encouraging apprentices to think about what they have learned and how it impacts the children. Celebrating small successes, such as an apprentice successfully leading a story session or supporting a child’s learning, reinforces progress and boosts confidence.
Another benefit is creating a culture of aspiration and professional development. Apprentices often progress from Level 2 to Level 3 qualifications, and some move into leadership roles. Their journey can inspire other staff members to pursue further training, creating an environment of continuous growth.
By investing in apprentices, you are not just filling current roles - you are building a team that is capable, confident, and aligned with your vision. Apprenticeships allow you to nurture talent, develop loyalty, and strengthen the quality and consistency of your provision. In this way, “growing your own” staff becomes a long-term investment in the future of your setting and, most importantly, in the children in your care.