Gen Z in the workforce: What the newest practitioners are bringing to early years

As the early years sector continues to evolve, it is natural that new voices and perspectives enter the workforce. Recently, more young people have begun exploring early years as a potential career path. This includes Gen Z, often described as recent school leavers, students, young adults and recent graduates looking to gain experience, understand the job market and take their first steps into a new role. Their arrival adds another layer to an already diverse community of nursery practitioners.

Every practitioner in early years brings skills and perspectives shaped by their own background, training and generation. Gen Z is simply the newest group to join this diverse mix. Their familiarity with technology, interest in professional development and ease with AI tools reflect the era they are growing up in, just as different previous generations were shaped by their own unique influences. Together, these varied experiences create a workforce that continually adapts to the needs of children, families and the world around them.

A values-led approach to work

Many Gen Zers say they want their work to feel meaningful and aligned with their personal values. This mindset fits naturally with early years roles, which allow early career professionals to play a direct part in children’s development and well-being. It also reflects a wider workplace trend, seen across multiple other industries, where young adults increasingly seek purposeful career paths rather than focusing solely on climbing the career ladder.

This perspective supports the sector’s ongoing emphasis on inclusive environments and strong educational leadership. It also encourages conversations about what meaningful work looks like for different generations, from those just starting in entry-level roles to professionals with many years’ experience in the sector.

Confidence with technology

Gen Z is often described as the first generation to grow up fully immersed in digital life. Their natural ease with technology can be seen in how quickly they adapt to digital learning journals, communication apps and online training platforms. This is not about replacing traditional practice but rather adding another layer to it.

Many younger practitioners are also comfortable engaging with AI training, online learning and micro courses, which enables them to acquire new skills and progress quickly. When combined with the hands-on experience and practical knowledge of longer-standing colleagues, this creates a healthy balance of Innovative tools and established expertise.

Open conversations about well-being

Across workplaces more broadly, there is growing openness around mental health, work-life balance and wellbeing. While Gen Z is part of this cultural shift, it is a conversation that benefits practitioners of all ages. Younger professionals are often comfortable discussing boundaries, balance and how work fits alongside life outside of work.

In early years, these conversations highlight the importance of supportive working practices. At Grandir UK, this is reflected in initiatives such as GrandFlex, a flexible working option that allows practitioners to choose hours that fit around their lives, while gaining experience across nursery settings and earning enhanced pay rates.

Fresh energy that inspires whole teams

One of the most valuable aspects of having multiple generations in a nursery setting is how their strengths complement one another. Gen Z’s creativity and digital confidence blend well with the organisational skills and communication strengths often found in millennials. This sits alongside the deep knowledge and experience of practitioners who have been in the sector for many years.

The result is a learning environment where different generations support each other. Some bring innovative ideas, some bring long-established expertise, and some bridge the two. This intergenerational teamwork helps create settings where everyone can gain experience, develop new skills and grow in their current role.

A new era of early years practice

New practitioners are choosing early years for many reasons: meaningful, stable work, accessible career progression and the opportunity to take on real responsibility, such as future leader positions, within just a few years. Whether they join straight from university, further education or through entry-level jobs, they arrive ready to learn, develop and make an impact.

As the sector continues to evolve, employers who provide strong development pathways, supportive leadership and clear next steps will be best placed to attract and retain the talent shape the future of early years.

Career progression: Build your gen Z early years career with Grandir UK

At Grandir UK, careers are built on this same foundation of collaboration and growth. Whether you’re exploring entry-level roles, gaining hands-on experience or progressing through clear development opportunities, you’ll find community-like support, comprehensive training, professional development and a meaningful career path. It’s an environment where practitioners at any stage can grow in confidence, develop crucial skills and take their next steps in educational leadership.

If you’re interested in building a rewarding, future-focused career, explore how you can grow with Grandir UK here.