
Invest in apprenticeships. Transform lives. Build the future.
Welcome to our campaign dedicated to transforming the childcare sector through apprenticeships. As champions of early childhood education, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering growth. By hiring apprentices, you not only invest in the future of your business but also contribute to the well-being of our communities.
Paragon Skills is an award-winning apprenticeship provider that delivers quality apprenticeship training within the childcare sector to a range of early years settings. Supporting over 3,100 learners in the past two years we are proud of our pass rate of 99.81% of which 42% achieved a distinction. These numbers showcase the quality of our teaching and learning through our Elevate programme where we continue to deliver outstanding results compared to the average national pass rate of 52%.
Our Personal Tutors build impactful and continuous relationships with learners, providing effective pastoral support enabling them to flourish. Tutor tenure is 4.5yrs in what is renowned to be a volatile market.
Help us make the difference…
As champions of early childhood education, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering growth. By hiring apprentices, you not only invest in the future of your business but also contribute to the well-being of our communities

Why choose a childcare apprenticeships
- Quality education
- Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of hands-on experience and structured learning. Apprentices gain practical skills while studying for formal qualifications, ensuring they provide high-quality care from day one.
- Tailored training
- Our apprenticeship programs are designed to meet the specific needs of the childcare sector. From early years education to child development, apprentices receive training that directly aligns with the demands of their role.
- Cost-effective
- Hiring an apprentice is a smart investment for your business. Not only do apprentices bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, but they also offer a cost-effective solution for filling vital roles within your organisation.
Government updates
The Department for Education has launched the “Do Something Big” campaign to address staffing needs in nurseries and early years providers, offering £1,000 sign-on bonuses in 20 local authorities to incentivize new recruits and returners to the sector. The campaign aims to support the expansion of childcare entitlements, potentially saving parents up to £6,500 annually. Additionally, recent government updates include fully funding apprenticeship training costs for 16-21 year olds in SMEs starting April 1st and increasing flexibility for levy-paying employers to transfer funds, signaling support for apprenticeship expansion and economic growth.
Benefits for Employers
- Access to fresh talent
- Apprenticeships provide employers with a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to their needs. By nurturing talent from within, businesses can build a loyal and dedicated workforce for the future.
- Government support
- Take advantage of government incentives and funding available for hiring apprentices. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you maximize the benefits of apprenticeship programs.
- Enhanced reputation
- Show your commitment to social responsibility by investing in apprenticeships. By supporting the development of young professionals, you’ll enhance your reputation as an employer of choice in the childcare sector.
We’re committed to helping early years settings train their staff at all levels
Whether your childcare setting is looking to expand your leadership team or to develop your newest recruits internally, offering a clear pathway for progression is crucial to both upskilling and retaining talent. We strongly believe that apprentices play an important role in meeting our future care providers’ needs. Designed to bridge the divide between employment and education, apprenticeships enable your team to study while continuing to work.
In light of these government updates, Paragon Skills aim to highlight the invaluable impact of childcare apprenticeships and the role employers play in shaping the future of early years education. As a trusted partner in the childcare sector, we understand the importance of providing quality care and education to young children during their formative years.
Paragon Skills pledge to enrol 2000 new apprentices by the end of 2024
Whether your childcare setting is looking to expand your leadership team or to develop your newest recruits internally, offering a clear pathway for progression is crucial to both upskilling and retaining talent. With the right training and support, apprentices have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children, setting them on the path to a bright and successful future.
Our focus on delivering quality childcare apprenticeships speaks for itself...
90%
of apprentices go on to a positive destination (Including paid employment, or further education / training)
88%
ofemployers would recommend working with Paragon Skills
95%
of apprentices developed new skills
91%
of apprentices would recommend us
99%
of apprentices pass EPA
82%
of employers say that the apprentice has had a positive impact on their business
Shaping the minds of the future
specialist industry leading training for the Early Years sector
Every year, we proudly support numerous apprentices embarking on childcare apprenticeships, contributing to the enriching field of childcare and education.
At Paragon Skills, our commitment to childcare apprenticeships is unwavering, recognising their significance for both the apprentice and the employing business. As one of the UK’s leading providers specialising in Early Years apprenticeships, boasting over two decades of acclaimed training delivery, we are dedicated to fostering growth and enhancing the Early Years sector. Our aim is to empower individuals and businesses alike, ensuring continued progression and value addition to careers and enterprises through our exceptional training services.
Apprenticeships as part of the solution to the challenges that the childcare sector is facing
Recruitment and retention are some of the key challenges facing the childcare sector. At Paragon Skills we firmly believe that apprenticeships and training with clear career progressions can be placed at the heart of the recovery agenda within the childcare sector. View our video to see some key industry statistics and research around attraction to the sector, career progression and retention, and what this means for the future of your workforce and business.
Join the Movement
By joining our campaign, you’re not just hiring apprentices; you’re investing in the future of childcare. Together, we can create opportunities for growth, empower individuals, and build stronger communities.
Get Involved Today