Early Years Apprentice

Catalyst Academies Trust; South Ockendon; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 14,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid apprenticeship

On-the-job training

Job summary

Catalyst Academies Trust invites applicants to train as a Level 2 Early Years Apprentice. This 12‑month programme could lead to Teaching Assistant, HLTA or further study, with GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or higher and good ICT skills.

You will be paid at least £8.00 per hour for 30 hours per week, 52 weeks a year. Training is one day per week at Dilkes Academy, South Ockendon, with regular assessment visits and mentoring from your employer. There are no costs to the apprentice.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or higher.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess progress of apprentices in the workplace.
• Attend training one day per week at a partner college.
• Develop skills toward Teaching Assistant roles and progression.

Skills

Literacy skills

Numeracy skills

ICT skills

Education

GCSE English and Maths (A-C/9-4)

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2429-180S

Position Start Date: 01/09/2026

Application Close: 30/06/2026 Midnight

Position Type: Teaching/Child Support

Contract Type: Full-time

Date of Interviews: 06/07/26 and ongoing

Pay Range: £12,794

Contract Term: Fixed

Early Years Apprenticeship Level 2

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.

Role

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
• HLTA
• Foundation degree
• BA (Hons)
• 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 preferrable 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.