Showcase Magazine Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 32
CAREERS
Growing More than a career:
Becoming a mum while completing
an early years apprenticeship
For many young women, starting an apprenticeship is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It is a chance to earn
a wage, gain qualifications and build a career. But what happens when another life-changing chapter begins at
exactly the same time?
For young women completing an apprenticeship in Early Years, pregnancy can bring a mixture of excitement, worry and plenty of
questions. Suddenly, you are not only learning how to care for other people’s children, but also preparing to welcome a baby of your
own.
Working in a nursery is rewarding, but it can also be busy and physically demanding. You can spend your day constantly moving
around, getting down to children’s level, tidying, preparing activities, supporting routines and keeping an eye on everything
happening around you. Add pregnancy to the mix and some days can feel much harder than others. You might experience morning
sickness, tiredness, backache or simply find you don’t have the same energy you had before pregnancy. As your bump grows, you
may also find certain tasks more difficult. Getting up from the floor repeatedly, standing for long periods or lifting children and
equipment may become uncomfortable or unsuitable. Your employer should carry out a health and safety risk assessment and make
appropriate adjustments where necessary. You are also entitled to paid time off for appointments. Don’t feel guilty about asking for
help or explaining when something is becoming difficult. Looking after yourself and your baby is important!
Alongside your job, you’re working towards a qualification. That means you have training, assessments, assignments and study to think
about - and pregnancy can make keeping on top of everything more difficult. You might find that you are more tired and struggle to
concentrate on your coursework. You may have appointments to attend or simply need more time to rest. Try not to put unnecessary
pressure on yourself! Talk to your employer and training provider if you’re struggling. Apprentices are entitled to time for training and
study related to their apprenticeship, and pregnancy does not mean you have to give up on your qualification.
Your Early Years apprenticeship could actually help prepare you for becoming a parent. Every day, you’re learning about children.
You’re developing an understanding of communication, behavior, routines, safeguarding and developmental milestones. You may
already know how to comfort a crying baby, change a nappy, encourage a child’s independence or support their development. Whilst
having your own baby, obviously this will be different, your experience can give you knowledge and confidence that you might not
otherwise have.
One of the biggest worries you may have is whether maternity leave will affect your apprenticeship. The good news is that becoming
pregnant does not mean you have to abandon your apprenticeship. If you are eligible, you can take maternity leave while completing
your apprenticeship. In the UK, eligible employees can take up to 52 weeks of Statutory Maternity Leave. You do not have to take the full
52 weeks, although you must take at least two weeks of maternity leave after giving birth. Your apprenticeship can be paused during
maternity leave and arrangements can be made for you to continue your training when you return.
Money is understandably one of the biggest concerns when you’re expecting a baby. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may
recieve Statuatory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer. Generally, you need to have been employed by your employer for at least
26 weeks into the qualifying week and meet the minimum earnings requirement. If you don’t qualify for SMP, you may be entitled to
Maternity Allowance instead. For 2026/2027 Maternity Allowance can be paid up to £194.32 per week for up to 39 weeks, depending on
your circumstances.
The thought of returning to work after having a baby can feel daunting. You may wonder how you’ll manage nursery hours, childcare,
sleep deprivation and your apprenticeship all at once. It is completely normal to feel nervous! Your return to work may look different
from how it did before your baby arrived. You may need to organise childcare, adjust your routine and find a new balance between
being a mum, an apprentice and an employee. Some employees can also use Keeping In Touch Days during Maternity Leave. These
can allow you to work for up to 10 days during maternity leave, to stay connected and also earn some additional money. Some
employers also offer additional benefits such as discounted childcare within setting, meaning your child can come to work with you for
a discounted rate.
You don’t have to choose between being a mum and having a career - you can be both! Your apprenticeship is an
investment in your future, and becoming a parent is another huge part of that future. It might take some flexibility,
support and planning along the way, but pregnancy doesn’t have to be the end of your ambitions.
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