Grandir UK’s Early Years apprenticeship programme earns 2025 national recognition

At Grandir UK, we are passionate about nurturing talent and building strong foundations, not just for the children in our care but for the Early Years educators who support them every day. That is why we are delighted to share that our Early Years Apprenticeship Programme has received national recognition in two leading and respected 2025 rankings.

We are especially proud to have been ranked 21st in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025. This prestigious data-driven accolade celebrates the UK’s outstanding apprenticeship employers – recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully completed their programme. This ranking highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality training, long-term career development and exceptional support for those starting or progressing in the childcare sector.

Our programme has also been recognised in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025 list published by the Department for Education in partnership with RateMyApprenticeship., celebrating employers who are leading the way in offering outstanding nursery apprenticeship opportunities.

Cathy Agozzino, Apprenticeship & Learner Co-ordinator at Grandir UK, shared her thoughts on this incredible achievement, saying: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the next generation of Early Years professionals. Investing in our people is at the heart of what we do, and this achievement reflects the hard work of both our apprentices and the teams who support them across our nurseries.”

Shaping the next generation of Early Years educators

At Grandir UK, we are proud to play a part in shaping the future of the sector by guiding and growing the next generation of Early Years educators. We focus not only on developing practical skills, but also on building confident, compassionate professionals who are ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of young children.

Here’s more on what our inspiring Early Years apprenticeship programme has to offer.

A trusted route into Early Years education

Our childcare apprenticeships offer more than just a qualification; they provide a pathway to a fulfilling career in Early Years education. Whether you’re new to the sector or ready to take the next steps, we equip every apprentice with the practical experience and knowledge they need to succeed, guided by a community of dedicated people who champion their growth and development.

Through a carefully designed programme, each apprentice learns how to create a stimulating environment where children learn, grow and thrive. With a focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), our apprentices explore core areas such as Early Language Development, child protection, inclusive planning, and behaviour strategies that reflect the needs of every child.

Each Early Years practitioner receives personalised support to build their confidence and develop skills while gaining recognised qualifications and contributing meaningfully to their nursery team. Many of our apprentices remain with Grandir UK beyond the successful completion of their programme, going on to progress to practitioner level roles and beyond.

Inspiring early learning through real-world experience

All of our apprentices work within a real Early Years setting, collaborating with experienced colleagues in vibrant, well-resourced Grandir UK nurseries. They take on an active role in delivering exceptional childcare, engaging in daily routines and supporting every child’s development through carefully structured early learning opportunities.

Our programme welcomes individuals from a range of backgrounds and all age groups, helping them understand key principles of Early Years practice and providing clear guidance throughout the training journey. The focus is not only on academic success but on building confidence, communication and teamwork, essential skills for any Early Years educator.

Whether it’s your first job or you’re looking for a new direction, a Grandir UK Early Years apprenticeship opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in the education sector.

Begin your Early Years journey with Grandir UK

With over 80 nurseries across the UK, we are proud to offer consistent, high-quality childcare apprenticeships in a variety of locations. If you are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to find vacancies and take the first step towards a rewarding career in Early Years education.

Our teams are here to support you every step of the way, helping you learn, grow, and build a career you can be proud of. Whether you’re passionate about helping children succeed, building strong relationships with parents and carers, or creating inclusive spaces where every child can thrive, we want to hear from you.

Explore our award-winning apprenticeship programme today and discover how Grandir UK can help you achieve your full potential.