How do I get a childcare apprenticeship in Northern Ireland?

You need an employer willing to take you on. Register your interest with Rutledge and your local branch will talk you through the Children's Care, Learning & Development framework, entry requirements and current employer vacancies.

What level is a childcare apprenticeship?

We deliver this at Level 2 and Level 3 under ApprenticeshipsNI.

Yes. You are employed and paid by your employer throughout, and the training itself is government funded through ApprenticeshipsNI.

How old do I need to be?

ApprenticeshipsNI is open from age 16. Funding rules differ for those aged 25 and over, so check with your local branch.

ApprenticeshipsNI · Level 2 and Level 3

Childcare & Early Years apprenticeships in Northern Ireland.

Work in a nursery, playgroup or after-schools setting while gaining the Children's Care, Learning and Development qualification.

Government-funded provision

Rutledge delivers Apprenticeships NI under contract with the Department for the Economy. There is no fee to the apprentice, training is fully funded by DfE.

What you learn.

Child development from birth to adolescence
Planning play and learning activities
Safeguarding and child protection
Working with parents and multi-agency teams

Where it leads.

Early years practitioner
Nursery assistant
Room leader

Frameworks: Children's Care, Learning & Development.

Childcare & Early Years apprenticeships near you.

Delivered from our branches across Northern Ireland.

Common questions.

How do I get a childcare apprenticeship in Northern Ireland?: You need an employer willing to take you on. Register your interest with Rutledge and your local branch will talk you through the Children's Care, Learning & Development framework, entry requirements and current employer vacancies.
What level is a childcare apprenticeship?: We deliver this at Level 2 and Level 3 under ApprenticeshipsNI.
Do I get paid?: Yes. You are employed and paid by your employer throughout, and the training itself is government funded through ApprenticeshipsNI.
How old do I need to be?: ApprenticeshipsNI is open from age 16. Funding rules differ for those aged 25 and over, so check with your local branch.

Related routes into childcare & early years.

Talk to us

Not sure where to start?

Send us a couple of details and we will point you to the right course, apprenticeship or job. No obligation, no cost to enquire.

18 branches across Northern Ireland
Department for the Economy approved training provider
Enquiries answered during branch opening hours
Prefer to talk? Call 028 2568 9643

You send it

A few details only. No account, no login, nothing to download.

We read it

Your enquiry goes straight to the team at the branch nearest you.

We come back

You hear from a named team member, usually within one working day.