February 2024 Parenta magazine_compressed

Priya Kanabar
Why hiring an
apprentice makes
sense
Yes, even for childminders!
Given the growing demand for childcare
places, particularly with the increased
Government-funded hours, now presents
the perfect moment to explore the
advantages of bringing an apprentice on
board. The potential benefits of such a
partnership extend to both the apprentice
and the employer, making it a mutually
enriching experience. Let’s explore why
hiring an apprentice makes good sense.
The process of finding an apprentice
may seem like a very time-consuming
process, with a lot of time being dedicated
to training them. No one wants to be
bombarded with extra paperwork or to
hold someone’s hand whilst they are
studying, however, this does not have to
be the case at all.
If you pick a reputable recruiter and trainer,
for example, Parenta, you will receive
support for both you and your apprentice
right from the beginning. In addition to
finding out exactly what your setting’s
requirements are, they will have already
started the registration process and will
only send you the strongest candidates.
This cuts out half of the work; so, all you
need to do as the employer is conduct
the interview and make that all-important
decision. Many childcare professionals will
associate apprentices with no experience
and needing a whole lot of attention to
complete their childcare courses, but it is
up to the employer to only choose who
they consider suitable for the role.
The partnership between the training
provider, the learner and the employer is
really important. The apprentice will have
regular meetings and training with their
tutor and for this reason, the employer
must ensure their learner is supported,
given regular appraisals, and booked onto
any core training they need. Of course,
this means keeping them up-to-date with
legislation and supporting them in getting
to know their workplace inside out. Giving
them challenges and more responsibility
will give them the confidence they need
for inspection or simply to become a room
leader.
Another benefit of hiring an apprentice
is the lack of financial stress, as the
majority of apprenticeships are 95%
government-funded. Even though there
is usually a minimum number of set
hours, and off-the-job training to do, the
contracted days and times can be tailored
to individual setting’s needs. How you
teach them within your setting will be your
unique learning style, which becomes the
foundation of their future.
Highlights
Feeling empowered is one of the highlights
- watching an apprentice grow during their
first year, compile a portfolio of certificates,
from scratch, and gain invaluable (handson)
skills needed to work as an early years
practitioner.
Although it can be challenging knowing
that you, the employer, are responsible for
them, the challenging aspect is motivating.
Making an effort to demonstrate
professional role modelling, naturally sets
a high standard.
Support
The feeling of guiding someone in making
their first steps towards a qualification is
very rewarding, as is knowing you are part
of the reason they are competent. During
that process, providing endless support
and praise to ensure the apprentice does
not lack self-esteem is essential.
It helps to put yourself in their shoes;
taking yourself back to when you first
began training to work in the early years.
Mental health and stress can impact on
the ability to function, let alone work; for
this reason, supporting staff with regular
meetings is essential, especially if you
want to keep staff long term.
Training
Keeping your apprentices informed about
current legislation and providing crucial
refresher training serves as a helpful
reminder for the entire setting to review
their practices. Ensuring apprentices
are well-trained is crucial for meeting
high standards and avoiding any issues
during Ofsted inspections. While there
might be time pressures involved in
training, ultimately, it leads to increased
professionalism, which will be a positive
outcome for all.
There is a sense of pressure in training
someone that can only result in more
professionalism, a positive thing for sure.
Working in the early years requires a
range of personality traits, using creativity
in different ways and a diverse range
of teaching styles. This lesson is a very
special one an employer can teach an
apprentice - to reassure them that they do
not have to fit in, but rather float in their
own bubbles for all to admire.
There are so many benefits to hiring
an apprentice and they outweigh the
hardships!
Scan here for
more information
& resources
from Priya:
18 February 2024 | parenta.com
parenta.com | February 2024 19