Early Years Apprentice

Shorefields; Colchester; On-site; GBP 9,000 - GBP 13,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Colchester is offering an exciting Level 2 Early Years Apprenticeship aimed at those interested in supporting children in a school environment. Candidates should have good literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills, along with a minimum of GCSE A-C or 9-4 in English and Maths. The apprenticeship offers a paid position of at least £8.00 per hour for a minimum of 30 hours weekly. Successful candidates may progress to Teaching Assistant roles or pursue a teaching degree.

Benefits

Paid apprenticeship

28 days annual leave

Training and mentoring

Qualifications

• Employers expect applicants to demonstrate excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Potential candidates should have achieved GCSEs in English and Maths.
• GCSE in Science is preferable for teaching routes.

Responsibilities

• Train as a Level 2 Early Years Apprentice.
• Support teachers and assist in classroom activities.
• Develop knowledge and skills in educational practices.

Skills

Excellent literacy

Excellent numeracy

ICT skills

Education

GCSE A-C or 9-4 in English and Maths

Science is preferable

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2662-331S Position Type: Teaching/Child Support Pay Range: £12,794

Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Fixed

Application Close: 30/06/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 27.1.26 and on-going

This is a fantastic opportunity for applicants to train as a Level 2 Early Years Apprentice. This is an advanced pathway for those who already work in school or who are interested in working with children.

The course is one academic year (12 months) and at the end of it you will have gained an Early Years Apprenticeship. This could lead to the following roles:

• Teaching Assistant
• Qualified Teacher Status

Who is suitable for an apprenticeship?

Employers will be particularly interested in applicants who have a keen interest in providing excellent support within a school environment and working as part of a team. You should be able to demonstrate excellent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Potential candidates are expected to have achieved GCSE A-C or 9-4 in English and maths. Science is preferable if applicants are considering a teaching route later. We accept applicants who are currently studying for their GCSEs. The college expectation is that applicants do not need a grade 4 or above but the schools expect this.

Will I get paid as an apprentice?

Yes, your employer will pay you at least £8.00 (April 2026) per hour in your first year for at least 30 hours per week (college day included) for 52 weeks of the year. They must also allow you to take at least 28 days per year annual leave, including bank holidays, and pay you for it.

How is the Apprenticeship Assessed?

Your assessor will visit you within the workplace to assess your progress and you will attend training for 1 day per week. Weekly training will take place at Dilkes Academy, South Ockendon. You will develop your skills and knowledge whilst on and off the job and will receive regular supervision and mentoring from your employer.

What could this Apprenticeship lead to?

This apprenticeship will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and professional skills you can use in your current/future career within education. On completion you can move on in your vocational field into Teaching Assistant roles or even onto a Level 3 TA apprenticeship. This could then lead to a teaching degree and QTS.

What are the costs?

There are no costs to the apprentice to complete this apprenticeship programme, costs will be incurred if apprentices go on to complete a foundation degree, BA Hons and eventually QTS if they chose to train to become a qualified teacher. The apprentice therefore may need to take out a small student loan to cover these expenses.

All apprentices must have employment to complete an apprenticeship, for help with employment and to find out more, telephone David Cornwell on 01245 293119 or e-mail [e-mail].

You can also contact Andrea Parfett at Dilkes Academy for more information: [e-mail]

Information about the School

Our pupils are aged 3 – 11, ranging from Nursery to Year 6, and mainly live in the area surrounding the school.

At Dilkes we want our children to be happy, confident and to share a passion for learning. We help them to achieve highly and make outstanding progress.

We value every child and ensure that we foster the individuality of their interests and experiences. Our bespoke curriculum is carefully planned to enable us to teach all the National Curriculum subjects in a creative and inspiring way. We engage children in a range of activities that enable them to develop their knowledge and skills, and equip them for life beyond school.

We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils, and this pride is echoed by the pupils themselves. We strive to continue to build on the outstanding provision that Dilkes Academy offers.

“We strive to ensure high achievement and a happy educational experience for every child.”

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Mr Rhys Latham
Garron Lane, South Ockendon
Essex, RM15 5JQ Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Out of School Bank Staff

Kindred Nurseries, Harlow Closing: 30/01/2026 Midnight