Apprentice Educator

Busy Bees; Gravesend; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and career progressio

Up to 28 days holiday incl. bank

Up to 50% childcare discount

Hive discounts and wellbeing support

Enhanced family leave, pension, Cycle2

Private medical insurance options and+

Job summary

Busy Bees invites you to join its Bee the Future Fast Track Apprenticeship Academy Hub and start your early years career in the UK.

The enhanced apprenticeship combines group workshops, expert teaching and hands-on nursery experience to gain your Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and launch a long-term career with Busy Bees. You’ll learn in small cohorts with mentors and a structured development programme designed to help you become an exceptional educator.

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for working with children.
• UK residency eligibility for apprenticeship funding (min three years).
• Willingness to travel to a local Busy Bees nursery after hub placement.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or equivalent Level 2 skills.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s learning and development through engaging activities.
• Build positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Maintain high safeguarding standards.
• Complete apprenticeship training within a 12-month timeframe.

Education

GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C)

A Level 2 Early Years (desirable)

Job description

Join Busy Bees at one of our Bee the Future Fast-Track Apprenticeship Academy Hubs – Start Your Early Years Career

Ready to build a rewarding career in childcare? Join Busy Bees, the UK's leading nursery group and a Top 5 UK Apprenticeship Employer, on one of our Fast-Track Apprenticeship Academy cohorts.

Our Bee the Future Fast Track Apprenticeships combine group workshops, expert teaching and hands‑on nursery experience, giving you the skills, confidence and support to achieve your Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and launch a long‑term career.

The Bee the Future Fast Track Apprenticeship is an enhanced apprenticeship experience designed for people who are ready to learn faster, grow in confidence and build a rewarding career with Busy Bees.

Delivered through three dedicated Fast Track Hubs, it offers far more than a traditional apprenticeship. You’ll learn alongside a small group of apprentices, receive expert coaching and mentoring, and follow a structured development programme designed to help you become an exceptional Early Years Educator.

Why Choose a Fast track Apprenticeship at Busy Bees?

As an apprentice, you’ll:

• Gain hands‑on experience across all age groups, spending at least two months in each.
• Receive dedicated support from experienced mentors and a Development Coach.
• Attend bespoke learning sessions that bring theory to life.
• Become part of a dedicated Academy cohort where you’ll learn, grow and develop alongside other aspiring Early Years Educators.
• Connect with senior leaders and experienced educators who’ll inspire, challenge and support your development.
• Benefit from dedicated time to focus on your learning, helping you build confidence while working towards your apprenticeship.
• Complete your training in around 12 months at the Apprenticeship Academy Hub, followed by your apprenticeship assessment before transferring to a permanent local Busy Bees nursery.

From day one, you’ll be a valued member of the team learning, contributing and making a difference every day.

Why Busy Bees?

With almost 400 nurseries across the UK and Ireland, we’re passionate about giving every child the best start in life. You’ll benefit from:

• Our award‑winning Bee Curious curriculum.
• A bespoke apprenticeship programme designed to help you succeed.
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your development matters.
• Opportunities to support local communities and charity partnerships.

Busy Bees Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• Ongoing training and career progression.
• Up to 28 days' holiday (including bank holidays) plus your birthday off.
• Up to 50% childcare discount.
• Discounts and wellbeing support through Hive.
• Enhanced family leave, pension, Cycle to Work, private medical insurance options and more.

Successfully complete your apprenticeship and open the door to exciting career progression opportunities, including qualified roles with salaries starting from £27,872 per annum. Salary levels vary by nursery location.

What You’ll Do

You’ll support children’s learning and development through engaging activities, build positive relationships with families and colleagues, maintain high safeguarding

standards, and work towards completing your apprenticeship training within the expected timeframe of 12 months.

What You’ll Need

To apply, you’ll need:

• A passion for working with children.
• Readiness to learn faster, grow in confidence and build a rewarding career with Busy Bees
• UK residency eligibility for apprenticeship funding (minimum three consecutive years).
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or equivalent Level 2 functional skills.
• Willingness to travel to a local Busy Bees nursery after completing your hub placement.

A Level 2 Early Years qualification is desirable but not essential.