Showcase Magazine Summer 2025 - Flipbook - Page 16
EARLY YEARS
Q&A with an Early Years
Apprentice - Meet Ella
As an Early Years apprentice, every day brings new challenges, rewards, and opportunities to learn. Whether you're just starting your
apprenticeship or considering it as a career path, I hope sharing my experience will give you a better understanding of what it’s like to
work in Early Years and how you can navigate the journey ahead.
What made you want to do an apprenticeship?
What is your favourite part of working in Early Years?
I have always loved being around children, and as I grew older, I
realised it could be a fantastic career opportunity. The idea of
being part of their early development and helping them grow was
a huge factor behind my decision to pursue a career in Early
Years. I chose an apprenticeship because it offered the perfect
balance of hands-on working experience and formal education.
Personally, I’ve always struggled in traditional classroom settings,
so the apprenticeship route felt like exactly what I needed. It
allows me to learn on the job, gain real-world experience, and
meet incredible new people (shoutout to my amazing tutor
Gemma!).
Without a doubt, my favourite part is seeing the children grow
and develop. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being
part of their journey, whether it’s witnessing them reach a new
milestone or watching their confidence grow as they try
something new. Working in Early Years is so dynamic - no two
days are ever the same, and that makes every moment exciting.
What is the typical day in the life of an apprentice?
Every day within my setting is different, but there are a few
constants. When the children arrive, I help them settle in and get
ready for their day. We usually start with free play, offering various
activities for the children to enjoy. It’s always important to provide
a nutritious snack for them, ensuring everyone is fed and happy.
We make the most of our outdoor space, letting the children run
around and explore areas like the mud kitchen, painting zone,
sandpit, and more. One of my favourite aspects of the day is that
all of us, staff included, eat lunch together. It’s a great time to chat
about the day and share stories from outside of work. As the day
comes to a close, we ensure the setting is clean and tidy,
preparing for the next day’s adventures.
How do you manage your time between coursework and work?
Balancing coursework with work can be tricky, but it’s all about
planning and prioritising. I set aside dedicated time during the
week to complete assignments and review my learning materials.
Communication with my tutor and team is key - if I need help or
guidance, I’m not afraid to ask. Maintaining a healthy work/life
balance is also crucial, so I always make time for myself after
work, whether it’s going for a long walk or hitting the gym.
Are there any challenges?
While working in Early Years is extremely rewarding, it does
come with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is
managing the emotional and physical demands of the job.
Working with children requires a lot of energy, patience, and
empathy, especially when dealing with different behaviours and
needs. Balancing these demands with coursework and other
responsibilities can be tough, but it’s all part of the learning
process. I’ve also faced challenges in developing my confidence
and finding the right approach with different children. However,
over time, I’ve learned to be more adaptable and patient with
myself and others.
What are your future career goals and aspirations?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my journey in Early Years
education. My goal is to become a qualified Early Years educator
and eventually attend university to specialise in speech and
language therapy. I find it absolutely fascinating to learn about
how children grow and develop during their early years, and I’m
eager to continue exploring this field in more depth.
The field requires a lot of energy, dedication, and genuine love for
working with children. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from your
tutor and colleagues - they’re there to help and share their
experience. Be open to learning from every situation, and always
approach your work with a positive attitude.
｜
Showcase Training 16
