What is a Modern Apprenticeship in Children & Young People Services (SSHC)?

The childcare sector continues to face growing demand for skilled, qualified professionals. For employers looking to attract new talent, develop their workforce, and build long-term capacity within their setting, a Modern Apprenticeship in Children & Young People Services offers an effective solution.

Modern Apprenticeships allow employers to recruit and develop staff through a structured programme that combines workplace learning with nationally recognised qualifications. Apprentices gain practical experience while working towards industry standards, enabling them to contribute to your organisation from day one.

Growing Your Workforce Through Apprenticeships

A Modern Apprentice is an employee who learns on the job while developing the skills and knowledge required to work within childcare and early years environments.

Whether you’re a nursery, early learning centre, out-of-school care provider, residential service or organisation supporting children and young people, Modern Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to nurture talent and create a sustainable workforce pipeline.

Modern Apprentices work alongside experienced practitioners, gradually developing their confidence, competence, and understanding of professional practice while earning a wage.

Benefits for Employers

Address Recruitment Challenges

Finding qualified childcare practitioners can be challenging. Modern Apprenticeships allow employers to recruit individuals with the right attitude, values, and potential, then support them to develop the skills required for the role.

Build a Skilled and Loyal Workforce

Investing in employee development can lead to increased engagement, retention, and job satisfaction. Modern Apprentices often develop strong connections with their workplace and are more likely to remain with an organisation after completing their qualification.

Develop Talent to Meet Your Organisation’s Needs

Unlike recruiting experienced staff from an already competitive market, Modern Apprentices can be trained in line with your setting’s policies, procedures, and values from the outset.

Improve Service Quality

As apprentices learn and grow within your organisation, they contribute to delivering high-quality care and support for children and young people. Their training ensures they develop knowledge of safeguarding, child development, health and wellbeing, and professional practice.

Cost-Effective Workforce Development

The Modern Apprenticeship programme is supported through funding from Skills Development Scotland, helping employers develop their workforce while reducing training costs.

What Qualifications Do Apprentices Achieve?

Modern Apprentices typically work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF 7.

The qualification is designed to meet the requirements of the childcare sector and demonstrate occupational competence in real workplace settings.

Training covers areas such as:

• Child development and wellbeing
• Supporting learning through play
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Communication and partnership working
• Health, safety, and wellbeing
• Professional values and reflective practice

Throughout the Modern Apprenticeship, candidates are supported by qualified assessors who work closely with both the apprentice and employer.

What Support Is Available for Employers?

Partnering with a training provider means employers are not expected to manage the learning journey alone.

Training providers support employers by:

• Delivering qualification guidance and assessments
• Monitoring apprentice progress
• Liaising regularly with workplace mentors and managers
• Providing advice on evidence gathering and professional development
• Ensuring Modern Apprentices meet qualification standards

This collaborative approach helps employers focus on day-to-day operations while supporting staff development.

Creating Future Leaders in Childcare

Today’s Modern Apprentices are tomorrow’s senior practitioners, room leaders, and managers.

By investing in Modern Apprenticeships, employers are not only filling current vacancies but also developing the future workforce needed to support children, families, and communities for years to come.

In a sector where skilled professionals make a lasting impact on young lives, Modern Apprenticeships offer a practical and sustainable way to attract talent, strengthen teams, and support long-term organisational success.

Looking to recruit or upskill staff?

A Modern Apprenticeship in Children & Young People Services can help your organisation develop confident, qualified practitioners while building a stronger workforce for the future.

Contact our team to find out how we can support your apprenticeship recruitment and training needs.