The Government is looking after Lewisham and Coventry's future

Calling all 16-18 year olds - fancy jumping into a job in childcare?

Lifetime, is launching the Early Years Care Academy in Coventry and Lewisham, giving local young people the skills and the qualification needed to work with young children. With a 'hands on' learning programme, the first Government funded Apprenticeship kicks off on Monday 25 July; perfect timing for those looking to get stuck into working life this summer.

Lifetime is keen to find the most enthusiastic young people looking to work with children and get qualified while learning in a real life situation. The Academy offers the 'QCF Children and Young People's Workforce' certificate, blending classroom learning with paid employment. The programme is designed to ensure a smooth transition into positions such as nursery nursing or childcare assistance.

The learning framework of the Apprenticeship focuses on giving young people a competitive edge over peers whilst training for industry recognised qualifications. Two weeks of classroom based learning will provide individuals with the theoretical background knowledge of the industry which will support them when they progress into the work experience section of their training, in a hands-on Apprenticeship. This practical approach to learning and qualifications allows young people the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in an early years setting, caring for young babies and toddlers, up to the age of five.

Suzanne Manson, Programme Development Manager at Lifetime says; "As well as arranging vital CRB checks and references, Lifetime's Early Years Care Academy will equip learners with the skills needed to feel confident in the workplace while making them more employable, with an edge on their competitors. From an employer's point of view, the Academy will be delivering the highest quality apprentices, all fully security checked and trained in topics such as safeguarding children and infection control."

Apprentices will learn about nutrition for young children, paediatric first aid, learning through play and sign language. Notably, they will achieve a QCF Children and Young People's Workforce Level 2 certificate and the opportunity to continue their learning and skills development.

Lifetime's Early Years Care Academy will launch on Monday 25th July at:

Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre. 1 Winston Avenue. Coventry. CV2 1EA

The Clarendon Hotel, 8 - 16 Montpellier Row, Blackheath, London, SE3 0RW

Visit our Early Years Care Academy page for more information or call 01452 88 66 25