At a Glance
- Tasks: Join an 8-week intensive training course in Early Learning and Childcare.
- Company: SERC offers a supportive environment with real-world childcare experience.
- Benefits: Receive £185 weekly allowance, travel support, and guaranteed job interview upon completion.
- Other info: Perfect for those returning to work or seeking a fulfilling career in childcare.
- Why this job: Gain industry-recognised qualifications and make a difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with a right to work in the UK; no specific qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 185 - 185 £ per hour.
If you’re interested in a career in Early Learning and Childcare, 16 training opportunities are currently available. If you successfully finish the academy, you will have industry recognised qualifications, supervised childcare experience and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies.
The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive 8-week training course providing tailored theoretical and practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the Childcare sector. Delivery will primarily be in-person, supported through e-learning resources and facilitated visits to childcare settings.
Those selected for the Academy should gain accredited training modules in:
- Pediatric first aid
- Basic food hygiene
And study content in:
- SEN & Inclusion
- Storytelling
- Child Development
The academy training will develop sector relevant skills including play facilitation and observation techniques. Supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings. Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £185 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. Offers of employment will be solely at the discretion of the companies following the interview.
The job roles available are not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application.
- Applicants must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status.
- Whilst there are no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G).
How to apply
Apply online via clicking the apply icon.
Closing Date
Completed applications must be received by noon on Friday 21 August 2026.
Key dates
Information session and Interview dates: SERC will invite eligible applicants to attend an Information session and interview that will take place week commencing Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Training dates: Training will take place from Monday 21 September until Friday 20 November 2026 at SERC Lisburn campus. Training takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday on campus. Successful applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.
The supporting companies participating in the Academy are:
- Sleepy Hollow Group - Holywood and Bangor
- Footprints Women's Centre, Dunmurry
- ikids Day Nursery, Newtownards
- Down Royal Daycare, Lisburn
- Little Explorers, Hillsborough
- Little Ones, Downpatrick
- Little Rays Nursery - Lisburn and Moira
- Over the Hedge, Holywood
- Clear Day Nurseries - Belfast, Dundonald, Glengormley, Bangor, Lurgan and Portadown
If you live outside Northern Ireland, by accepting an offer of a place on this pre-employment training academy, you are committing to attending training and pursuing a job opportunity in Northern Ireland. Applications are welcome from everyone who meets the essential criteria and are particularly welcome from people returning to work after caring for their children or other family members.
If you have a disability and need help to complete this form, please email or telephone. All correspondence with applicants will be through email. It is the applicant’s responsibility to act on this within the given time frame.
For more information on this academy or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise, please email your enquiry. To find out how your information will be managed, you can view the privacy notice for Assured Skills.
Early Learning and Childcare Academy with SERC in Castlereagh employer: Department for the Economy
The Trade and Export Academy at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking a career in Trade and Export. With a focus on practical training and real-world experience, participants will benefit from a supportive work culture, receive a weekly training allowance, and gain access to guaranteed job interviews with leading companies upon completion of the programme. Located at SERC's Bangor campus, this academy not only equips you with industry-recognised qualifications but also fosters personal and professional growth in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Department for the Economy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Learning and Childcare Academy with SERC in Castlereagh
✨Dive into Adult Education Networks
Get involved with local adult education networks and workshops. These communities are filled with professionals who can offer insight into the field and might know of trainee opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential mentors!
✨Volunteer for Community Learning Events
Look for volunteer opportunities in community centres or educational organisations. Hands-on experience running workshops or assisting in classes can really help you stand out when you apply for trainee positions. Plus, you’ll expand your network within the sector.
✨Leverage University Career Resources
If you’re a student or recent grad, make sure to use your university's career services. They often have listings for trainee roles exclusive to students and can connect you with alumni working in adult education.
✨Apply via Our Website for Department for the Economy
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for the Early Learning and Childcare Academy with SERC role at Department for the Economy. This gives you a direct line to us, and we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are genuinely interested in adult continuing education.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Learning and Childcare Academy with SERC in Castlereagh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Lifelong Learning:In a field like adult and continuing education, it's super important to showcase your enthusiasm for helping others learn and grow. Use your cover letter to share any personal experiences that sparked your interest in adult education—maybe you’ve volunteered in teaching roles or participated in workshops that changed your perspective.
Highlight Relevant Experience, Even If It's Informal:Don’t fret if you haven’t held a formal position in adult education yet! We love seeing any relevant experience, including tutoring, mentoring, or even organising study groups. Make sure to emphasise these experiences on your CV and explain what skills you gained from them—such as communication, patience, or creativity in lesson planning.
Tailor Your CV for Us:When applying for the trainee role at Department for the Economy, be sure to adapt your CV to highlight the skills that matter most in adult education. Focus on any accommodating learning methods you're familiar with or tools you’ve used to engage learners of different backgrounds. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Get Creative with Your Application:Since this is a trainee role, we want to see your potential and willingness to learn. Don’t hesitate to get creative in your application! Consider including a brief outline of a project you’d love to tackle in adult education or share any innovative ideas for engaging adults in learning—this can really make you stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for the Economy
✨Be Ready to Share Your Passion for Education
As a trainee in the adult continuing education space, it’s vital to communicate your genuine enthusiasm for teaching and helping others learn. Think of personal anecdotes or experiences where you've engaged with adult learners — this will show Department for the Economy that you're not just in it for a job; you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Brush Up on Educational Theories and Practices
Expect to face questions about adult learning principles or techniques like andragogy. Familiarising yourself with key theories will not only prepare you for possible technical questions but will also allow us to engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers at Department for the Economy about how you envision applying these concepts in practice.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn and Adapt
As a trainee, your potential and willingness to grow are just as important as your current skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new learning environments before; it's a great way to demonstrate your ability to take feedback and develop your teaching style as you train with Department for the Economy.
✨Prepare for Role-Playing or Scenario Questions
You might encounter role-playing scenarios where you’ll need to demonstrate how you'd handle real-life teaching situations. Practise responding to potential learner challenges you might face in adult education. Show us how you could guide a reluctant learner or manage a diverse classroom setting, which will impress the interviewers at Department for the Economy!
