At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in childcare while learning essential skills over a ten-week course.
- Company: Join Belfast Met, a leading institution dedicated to empowering future childcare professionals.
- Benefits: Receive industry-recognised qualifications and potential job interviews with local companies.
- Other info: Apply by 12.00 noon on Friday 5 September 2025 for this exciting opportunity!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ and eligible to work in the UK; no specific qualifications required but GCSEs preferred.
The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive 10 week training course delivered by Belfast Met, providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector. Delivery will primarily in-person, supported through e-learning resource and facilitated visits to childcare settings. Those selected for the Academy will study accredited training modules covering:safeguarding; first aid; fire safety; food hygiene and manual handling. The academy training will develop sector relevant skills including play facilitation, observation techniques, storytelling, and child development inclusive practice. Supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings. Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £180 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare expenses where people qualify.If you successfully complete the Academy, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company. An interview is not a guarantee of a job. Training will take place from Monday 16 February until Friday 01 May 2026 in Belfast Met’s Castlereagh campus.Training takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Monday to Thursday on campus, Friday online.Successful applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.
Responsibilities
- Practical training to prepare participants for work in Early Learning and Childcare.
Skills and Qualifications
- Applicants must: be at least 18 years old and be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application
- Whilst there are no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Belfast Met Early Learning and Childcare Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G).
Further Information
The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 16 January 2026.
Area: Republic of Ireland
Closing date: 20 Dec 2025
Early Learning and Childcare Academy employer: Assured Skills (DFE)
The Early Learning and Childcare Academy at Belfast Met offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain industry-recognised qualifications and hands-on experience in childcare. With a strong focus on practical training, supportive e-learning resources, and direct engagement with children, the academy fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. Participants not only benefit from intensive training but also have the chance to secure interviews with local companies, paving the way for meaningful careers in Early Learning and Childcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Learning and Childcare Academy
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Assured Skills (DFE) just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Assured Skills (DFE). Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Learning and Childcare Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Early Learning and Childcare Academy role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Assured Skills (DFE), we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Assured Skills (DFE)
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Assured Skills (DFE), it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Assured Skills (DFE), you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
