Childcare Courses

Childcare Courses courses for Apprentices

Turn your passion for working with children into a rewarding career with a childcare apprenticeship. Whether you’re supporting early learning in a nursery or helping children thrive in a school setting, you’ll gain real experience while earning a wage.

Inspire Young Minds & Shape Bright Futures

Apprenticeships include Early Years Practitioner, Early Years Educator, and Teaching Assistant roles; perfect for those who are caring, creative, and committed to child development.

You’ll build practical skills in safeguarding, communication, and planning engaging activities, all while working toward a nationally recognised qualification. With strong employer links and expert support throughout, we’ll help you grow into a confident childcare professional.

Your Future in Childcare Starts Here

Get the training, support, and experience you need to make a difference in young lives. View our vacancies and take your first step into early years education.

Available Courses

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Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with parents, children colleagues and wider multi-agency professionals and partners such as health visitors, social workers and speech and language therapists. Individuals will undergo all...

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Childcare lecturer leading students in a craft activity

Level 3 Childcare (Early Years Educator) Advanced Apprenticeship

Are you looking for an opportunity to earn while you learn? Then an apprenticeship is right for you! On this Level 3 Childcare (Early Years Educator) Advanced Apprenticeship you can: Gain training whilst you are...

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Apprenticeship

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FAQs

What early years courses are available at Sandwell College?

Sandwell College offers a range of Early Years and Childcare courses for school leavers, including Level 1 Childcare courses, Level 2 Early Years qualifications, Level 3 Early Years Educator courses and T Level Education & Early Years. Courses are designed to prepare students for careers working with children in nurseries, schools, and childcare settings.

What will I learn on an Early Years course?

Depending on the course, you may study child development, safeguarding and welfare, play and learning activities, communication with children and families and supporting children’s emotional and physical development. You’ll develop both practical childcare skills and professional knowledge.

Do Early Years courses include work placements?

Yes, placements are a key part of Early Years training. Students gain experience in settings such as nurseries, primary schools and early years settings. This helps students build confidence working with children in real environments.

Can Early Years courses lead to university?

Yes, Level 3 qualifications and T Levels can lead to university courses such as Primary Education, Early Childhood Studies and Education Studies. Many students also progress into apprenticeships or employment.

Can I become a teacher with an Early Years course?

Yes, Early Years qualifications can be the first step towards becoming a teacher. The typical pathway would be Early Years course then university degree then teacher training and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

What careers can Early Years courses lead to?

These courses can lead to careers such as nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, early years educator and learning support assistant. Many students continue into higher education or teaching pathways.

Do I need experience working with children before applying?

No, many courses are suitable for beginners. You don’t usually need previous childcare experience or childcare qualifications. An interest in working with children and helping them develop is most important.

Are the courses practical?

Yes, Early Years courses are highly practical. Students take part in classroom activities, group projects, child development observations and placement-based learning. Practical experience is a major part of training.

What are the entry requirements?

Requirements vary depending on the level studied. Typically, Level 1 requires lower GCSE grades, Level 2 requires GCSE grades around 3-4 and Level 3/T Level requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English. Tutors can help advise on the best course for your starting point.

Why choose an Early Years course at Sandwell College?

Students benefit from practical placement opportunities, experienced tutors with industry knowledge, supportive learning environments and strong progression routes into university and careers. Courses are designed to help students build confidence, professional skills, and real childcare experience.

Apply Now for September 2026!

Begin your career journey at Sandwell College. We can help you take the next step after you leave school with over 100 courses to choose from! Our courses will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career.

We can offer first class guidance and support to help you on your journey.

Our Open Days are a great opportunity for you to find out more about our inspirational facilities and talk to our knowledgeable tutors about the courses you like best.

Choose any subject from our A-Z list of School Leaver Courses below and get your career off to an amazing start!

Help and Support

We want to ensure the right level and type of support is in place for every one of our learners to be successful and treated as an individual. We believe that each student should be individually supported to grow and develop personally and professionally.

When you join us you’ll have access to a network of mentors and online 24/7 confidential counselling services for your emotional wellbeing, as well as a dedicated safeguarding team of staff, student-to-student safeguarding champions and your own personal tutor.

Childcare Courses