At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young children's learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Shooting Stars Nurseries, a welcoming and inclusive childcare provider.
- Benefits: Free snacks, supportive mentors, and a friendly team culture.
- Other info: Join our Internal Apprenticeship Academy for growth and connection with fellow apprentices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while kickstarting your early years career.
- Qualifications: Passion for childcare; previous experience is a bonus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 8 - 8 £ per hour.
Early Years Childcare & Education Apprenticeship Programme 2026
Ready to make a difference in the lives of young children and begin a truly rewarding early years career? If you are enthusiastic, caring and excited to learn, our 2026 Apprenticeship Programme could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous childcare or nursery experience is welcome, but absolutely not essential.
- What matters most is your genuine passion for early years education and a desire to help provide safe, engaging, high‑quality childcare.
- We’re looking for individuals who bring:
- Patience, empathy and kindness
- An eagerness & commitment to learn and develop new skills
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- Good organisation and reliability
- Passion & motivation to build a long‑term early years career
If you want to help children feel safe, supported and inspired to learn, we want to meet you.
We offer two pathways:
- Level 2 – Early Years Practitioner Ideal for those new to childcare and starting out in their early years journey.
- Level 3 – Early Years Educator Suitable for applicants with some childcare experience or understanding of the EYFS.
Hours: 30 hours per week, in shifts 7:30am–6:00pm, Monday to Friday all year round
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Salary: £8.00 per hour
Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent is desirable, but not essential.
Closing Date for Applications: 1pm, Friday 13th March 2026
How to Apply
Click the Apply Now button. Our careers team will contact you via email (please check your junk/spam folder) to complete an Expression of Interest Form and guide you through the next steps.
To progress an application you must be available to attend in person on the following dates:
- Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Meet & Greet, 6pm onwards A friendly introduction to our nursery team, tour of the nursery and opportunity to learn more about the role.
- Saturday 18th April 2026 – Assessment Day An interactive session designed to help us understand your strengths, personality and suitability for the programme.
If successful, you will be invited back for a practical trial during nursery operational hours. Final decisions will be communicated as soon as possible, and no later than Monday 1st June 2026.
About our Apprentice Role
As part of our nursery team, you will be supported by experienced Early Years professionals who will guide you in:
- Providing high‑quality care and play experiences
- Supporting children’s learning and development
- Keeping children safe and nurtured
- Contributing to daily routines such as mealtimes, play, activities and rest
You will complete theoretical and practical training to achieve your Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, delivered in partnership with Realise, our training provider.
Why Choose Shooting Stars Nurseries?
We provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where you can grow and feel valued. You’ll benefit from:
- A bespoke welcome workshop & induction programme
- Our Internal Apprenticeship Academy, connecting you with apprentices across all 7 Shooting Stars settings
- A friendly team and supportive mentors
- Uniform and enhanced DBS provided
- A dedicated team break room with free snacks and drinks
- Staff celebrations, awards and recognition events
Safeguarding Commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in our care. All posts involve working with children and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Successful applicants will undergo pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS disclosure, suitability checks & satisfactory references.
Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Wolverhampton employer: Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars Nurseries in Wolverhampton is an exceptional employer dedicated to nurturing the next generation of early years educators. With a strong focus on employee growth, our bespoke welcome workshops and Internal Apprenticeship Academy ensure that you feel valued and supported throughout your journey. Join a friendly team that celebrates achievements and fosters a positive work culture, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery! Before your Meet & Greet, do a bit of research on Shooting Stars Nurseries. Familiarise yourself with their values and what they offer. This will help you connect better during your introduction and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since teamwork and communication are key in early years education, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your passion for childcare during the assessment day.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! During the assessment day, let your personality shine through. They want to see your genuine enthusiasm and kindness, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for working with children. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your application! If you haven’t heard back within a week or so after your assessment, drop them a friendly email to express your continued interest. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Apprentice (Level 2 or 3) New at Shooting Stars Nurseries Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine desire to make a difference in children's lives, so share any experiences or thoughts that highlight your passion!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your written application. We’re looking for individuals who are caring and kind, so show us who you are and what makes you unique!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Even if you don’t have direct childcare experience, think about skills from other areas of your life that could be relevant. Teamwork, communication, and organisation are key, so give us examples of how you've demonstrated these!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to click the 'Apply Now' button on our website to get started! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and our careers team will guide you through the next steps.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shooting Stars
✨Show Your Passion for Early Years Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young children. Share any experiences, even if they're informal, that highlight your love for childcare. This will show the interviewers that you’re not just looking for a job, but a meaningful career.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in a nursery setting, think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Whether it’s in school projects or volunteer work, be ready to discuss how you contributed and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
During the assessment day, you might face practical scenarios related to childcare. Brush up on basic childcare practices and think about how you would handle different situations, like comforting a child or managing playtime. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of your interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the nursery's approach to early years education or how they support apprentices. This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
