28 February 2019
Nine nursery assistants are taking part in the island’s first childcare apprenticeship scheme to complete their advanced qualifications while working.
Trackers, part of Jersey’s Children, Young People, Education and Skills department, launched the new childcare apprenticeship in partnership with Highlands College earlier this month. The part-time course, which includes the support of a mentor, allows students to study on the island while working in their chosen industry.
The nursery assistants, who are working with children aged zero to five, are studying to complete the Level 3 NCFE CACHE Advanced Apprenticeship for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
Ross Edgar, manager of the Trackers programme, said: “We are excited to offer nursery assistants a vocational route through day-release to complete their Level 3 qualification whilst being employed and earning a wage. They will be given a dedicated mentor to support them in all aspects of their apprenticeship to ensure they succeed and, in turn, the aim is to increase the number of Level 3-qualified employees within the island’s childcare workforce.”
Heather Davies, Director of Enterprise & Professional Studies at Highlands, said: “We feel this is an exciting opportunity for the Early Years sector supporting the employment of appropriately qualified Level 3 staff. As a college, we are excited to be able to offer the island’s first apprenticeship in childcare.”
Trackers, part of Skills Jersey, will cover the full amount of the qualification costs whilst offering dedicated mentor and coaching support for each apprentice.
gov.je