National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Growing careers from the very start at Grandir UK

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration shining a spotlight on the people, programmes and opportunities that help careers grow. At Grandir UK, apprenticeships are more than just a pathway into early years; they’re a way to nurture confidence, build long-term, enriching careers and support future talent at every stage of their journey.

As part of our GrandWomen campaign, we’re proud to champion inclusive career pathways that support growth at every stage. Apprenticeships at Grandir UK are about more than qualifications; they’re about nurturing potential, recognising ambition and creating supportive environments where people feel confident to take their next step.

One of the things we’re most proud of is our commitment to growing our own talent. From those taking their first steps into childcare to experienced practitioners ready to move into leadership, our apprenticeship programme is designed to support learning, progression and real-world experience in a caring, supportive environment. And sometimes, those journeys come full circle.

From nursery child to nursery apprentice: Katie’s story

Katie’s story is a powerful example of what growing talent truly looks like. Today, Katie is an apprentice at Toad Hall Day Nursery and Preschool but her relationship with the nursery began long before her career did. She shared: “I started my journey back in 2009 as a child where I attended Toad Hall Nursery, some staff are still at Toad Hall who used to look after me.”

As she grew older, Katie returned to Toad Hall during secondary school to complete her work experience in the Badgers Room, supporting two-year-olds. That early hands-on experience sparked a genuine passion for early years. After finishing school, Katie went on to college to achieve her Level 2 qualification, once again choosing Toad Hall as the nursery setting for her placement.

During that year, Katie gained invaluable hands-on experience across the nursery, spending time in the baby room, Badgers room, Toads room and Moles room. It was during this time that she discovered where her passion truly lay. She added: “Through this experience, I realised that working with the Badgers children, aged two years and above, was where I felt most at home. During this time, I was also offered an apprenticeship role to complete my Level 3 qualification.”

Now, as an apprentice practitioner, Katie is continuing to grow her skills, confidence and knowledge of child development, with clear ambitions for the future. She said, “Through completing my apprenticeship, I hope to grow my knowledge around child development and nursery life, as well as gaining confidence in this industry, I hope one day I could become a Room Leader.”

Her journey hasn’t gone unnoticed. Nursery management expressed:

“It is a pleasure to support her through her Toad Hall journey from attending with us as a child now working as a valued member of our team. Katie is a passionate practitioner who is eager to learn, proactive in her role and a real asset to the Toad Hall team.”

Katie’s story perfectly captures what National Apprenticeship Week is all about; opportunity, progression and the long-term impact of investing in people and believing in them.

From award finalist to apprentice of the year: Annie’s story

Annie’s apprenticeship journey is a great example of how far determination, support and hands-on experience can take you. After being named a finalist for the NMT Apprentice of the Year 2024, Annie went on to win the Realise and Grandir UK Apprentice of the Year 2025 award, a milestone that reflects just how much she has grown throughout her programme and the positive impact she’s had.

Since starting her apprenticeship at Kiddi Caru Day Nursery and Preschool in Hitchin, Annie says the experience has helped her develop both professionally and personally. The opportunity to learn on the job, supported by her team and training provider, has given her the confidence to take on new challenges and aim higher than she ever expected.

She shared: “Since starting my apprenticeship I have grown so much both professionally and personally. I have been offered great opportunities and won awards that I never thought possible,”

Now, Annie is preparing for the final step of her Level 3 qualification, with her end point assessment just around the corner. It’s an exciting moment that marks the next stage of her Early Years career. Speaking about what comes next, she said: “I am now just about to take my Level 3 end point assessment and look forward to seeing where my Grandir UK journey takes me next. I couldn’t recommend the apprenticeship enough.”

Annie’s story highlights the confidence, recognition and progression that apprenticeships can offer. From award finalist to Apprentice of the Year, her journey shows what’s possible when talent is nurtured in a supportive environment.

The Grandir UK apprenticeship programme: Earn, learn and progress

At Grandir UK, apprenticeships sit at the heart of how we develop our teams. Delivered in partnership with our expert training provider Realise, our programmes combine practical, on-the-job experience with structured learning and dedicated support.

We offer:

• Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years and Education apprenticeships for those starting or developing their careers in childcare
• Level 5 apprenticeships for new and existing employees looking to step into leadership roles and influence positive change within our nurseries

Apprentices split their time between working in their chosen nursery and completing structured learning, including six hours of off-the-job training each week. Topics covered include child development, safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring apprentices gain both confidence and competence as they learn.

Tailored support every step of the way

No two apprentices are the same, which is why our support is tailored to the individual. Every apprentice benefits from:

• Guidance from an experienced nursery mentor
• Regular check-ins with a dedicated trainer from Realise
• Access to specialist support, including Functional Skills where needed
• A welcoming team environment where learning is encouraged and celebrated
• A tight-knit community who are always there to lean on

Building long-term careers, not just qualifications

An apprenticeship at Grandir UK isn’t just about gaining a qualification, it’s about building a future. After successfully completing their programme, apprentices receive support to apply for qualified roles within their nursery, helping them take the next step with confidence.

Stories like Katie’s show just how far an apprenticeship can take you – from first experiences in a nursery setting to shaping the next generation of young learners.

Ready to start your own journey?

This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating every apprentice who brings passion, curiosity and commitment to our nurseries – and looking ahead to those just beginning their journey.

If you’re ready to earn while you learn, grow your confidence and build a meaningful career in Early Years, an apprenticeship at Grandir UK could be the perfect place to start. Explore our current opportunities and take your first step towards a future where you can truly grow.