New childcare apprenticeships in Wales

People working within the Childcare and Play sector in Wales can apply for funding for apprenticeship qualifications through the Progress for Success (PFS) programme.

Progress for Success is a Welsh Government and European Social Fund programme which funds existing early years, childcare and play practitioners to undertake recognised childcare and play qualifications. The aim of the programme is to raise the quality of provision offered to children in Wales by increasing and broadening the skills levels held by the existing workforce.

Specific funding is now being provided by the Progress for Success programme to pilot apprenticeships across Wales in childcare and playwork aimed at existing practitioners who work between 10 and 16 hours per week. This is also the first time PFS will pilot an apprenticeship for people working in the sector who work less than 16 hours.

The apprenticeship qualifications will enable existing practitioners to qualify in the new Childcare Play Learning and Development (CCPLD).

Economy Minister Ken Skates said: "People who work in early years play a vital role in children’s development helping give them the best possible start in life and prepare them for school so they can reach their potential and get the most from their education.

"Parents want the best quality childcare for their children and the Progress for Success programme provides a great opportunity for people wanting to further their career development to obtain fully funded apprenticeship qualifications through work based training. This will enable practitioners to support children across their early years learning and development and enhance their quality of care.

"The quality and skills of people can be the difference between success and failure, so investing in the workforce is also an investment in the childcare setting. I’d encourage everyone who is interested to talk with their employer and apply.

"Apprenticeships make a significant contribution to our economy and the Welsh Government is well on track to meet its manifesto commitment of delivering a minimum of 100,000 all-age, high quality apprenticeships by the end of this Assembly. This is one of our key commitments and as a government we will continue to work to drive prosperity and increase opportunities, with apprenticeships being a vital part of that."