At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in childcare through a 10-week intensive training programme.
- Company: Join a supportive network of leading childcare providers in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Receive a weekly allowance, travel support, and guaranteed job interview upon completion.
- Other info: Dynamic training environment with opportunities for further study through an Apprenticeship Programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Open to all 18+, no minimum qualifications required but preference for Level 1 English and Maths.
The predicted salary is between 24678 - 30162 £ per year.
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.
Training
The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive 10 week training course providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector and will take place in person at Belfast Met, Castlereagh Campus. Participants will develop skills including play facilitation, observation techniques, storytelling, child development inclusive practice, manual handling and fire safety.
Those selected for the Academy will also study accredited training modules including:
- Safeguarding
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene
Participants will also study an OCN Level 2 qualification in Infant Mental Health. This accredited qualification will provide participants with a deeper understanding of early childhood development, including the importance of secure attachments, emotional wellbeing, and the impact of early experiences on long-term development. It will also equip learners with practical strategies to support infants' social and emotional needs within a childcare setting.
There will also be an opportunity to put these skills into practice during 6 days of placement. This 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. When employed you will then have the opportunity to continue your studies through the Apprenticeship Programme.
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
- 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 at: Early Learning and Childcare Academy 26/27 Applications Closing Date. Completed applications must be received by noon on 24th August 2026.
Key dates
Information session and Interview dates: Belfast Met will invite eligible applicants to attend an Online Information session week commencing 24 August 2026, and an interview that will take place week commencing Monday 7 September 2026.
Training dates: Training will take place from Monday 28 September until Friday 18 December 2026 at Belfast Met's Castlereagh 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.
Company Information
The supporting companies participating in the Academy are:
- Sleepy Hollow
- Clear Day Nurseries
Living outside Northern Ireland
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.
Early Learning and Childcare Academy in Belfast employer: NI Civil Service
As a Senior Electrical Building Services Engineer at the Department of Finance in Belfast, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality public services. The organisation fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and offers competitive salaries, alongside a commitment to equal opportunities. Working in Clare House provides a vibrant environment with access to various professional growth opportunities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Learning and Childcare Academy in Belfast
✨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 NI Civil Service
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for the Early Learning and Childcare Academy role at NI Civil Service. 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 in Belfast
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 NI Civil Service, 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 NI Civil Service
✨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 NI Civil Service 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 NI Civil Service 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 NI Civil Service.
✨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 NI Civil Service!
