We are proud to announce the launch of our Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps, a programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the early years sector. The programme is free to eligible learners and highly interactive in nature, giving participants the opportunity to build up career-specific knowledge and skills to confidently enter the early years sector. The Skills Bootcamps also benefit employers in the sector, providing them with a robust pool of prospective employees ready to enter a nursery setting in full-time employment or on an accelerated L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship. Upon completion of the programme, participants will be offered an interview with an employer.
We are excited to be working closely with Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire County Councils to deliver these valuable programmes that are tailored for people at all stages of an early years career, including aspiring educators just starting out, career changers entering the sector, and support staff or volunteers looking to progress into early years roles.
Learners who participate in our 12-week Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps will benefit from:
Speaking on the programme, Monique Clements, Central YMCA’s Director of Education and Training, said "We are thrilled to launch our Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps, which is a vital part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing the education, health, and well-being of our communities. By providing free, highly interactive training, we are equipping eligible learners with the sector-specific knowledge and skills necessary to confidently enter the Early Years sector.
We are particularly pleased to be collaborating with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils — where we are the sole delivery partner in Early Years, as well as Hertfordshire County Council to deliver these Skills Bootcamps in their communities. Our partnerships allow us to create improved access to life-changing opportunities, ultimately supporting our vision of fostering a more educated and healthy society. We look forward to seeing the positive impact our Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps will have on our community and the broader Early Years sector."
Our first cohorts for the Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps are due to begin in Autumn. Norfolk and Suffolk Skills Bootcamps will start in September 2024 and February 2025, and Hertfordshire Skills Bootcamps in October 2024 and January 2025. Applications are now open for all start dates.
Are you interested in learning more from a learner or an employer perspective? Visit this page for more information about the Skills Bootcamps or get in touch directly with us at Info.SkillsBootcamps@ymca.co.uk.
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