Education and childcare provider Bright Horizons UK celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by marking the launch of its new cohort of apprentices in partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in Mansfield.

The collaboration provides early years professionals with the opportunity to advance their knowledge, skills, and careers.

As part of the initiative, apprentices can now access a range of qualifications, including:

• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship (Foundation Degree)
• Level 6 Childhood and Education Studies (Top-up) BA Hons Degree
• Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) with Early Years Teacher Status (EYT)

The latest cohort of apprentices began their learning journey last week, engaging in their first sessions at NTU’s Mansfield campus and accessing the university’s virtual learning platform. The programme is designed to equip apprentices with expertise that enhances their work with young children and families.

Fay Albans, course leader at NTU, said: “This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for Bright Horizons colleagues to progress through their academic pathway, gain new knowledge, skills, and behaviours, and ultimately improve outcomes for the children and families they support.”

For many apprentices it represents an important step forward. Alice Tolley, a Bright Horizons apprentice, added: “I wanted to progress my knowledge — it will open up new career doors for me.”

Jo Whittingham likes the practical benefits of the programme, saying: “I’m hoping to gain new skills, take my learning to the next level, and share that with my team.”