Early Years Care Apprenticeships: Inspiring Journeys with Chamber Training

At Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of our apprentices. Our Early Years Care Apprenticeships have supported countless individuals in building fulfilling careers while making a real difference in children’s lives. Two inspiring examples are Beth Whelan and Emma Walker, whose journeys highlight how handson training, mentorship, and dedication can lead to both professional and academic success.

Beth Whelan: From Apprentice to Degree

Beth Whelan began her journey with a Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship at The Links Daycare Centre LTD. Choosing the apprenticeship route allowed her to gain practical experience alongside professionals while working toward her qualification. “I wanted to build my knowledge alongside professionals, learning practical skills that supported my assignments,” she explains. Her opportunity came through the guidance of Nicky Cheshire, Business Development Manager at Chamber Training, and Anne Thomas, Early Years Training Advisor, who Beth credits as vital mentors throughout her apprenticeship. Now working as an Early Years Practitioner at The Links Daycare Centre LTD, a typical day for Beth involves supporting children’s learning, leading activity groups, and helping with mealtimes and routines.

Since starting her apprenticeship, Beth has grown in confidence and developed key skills in teamwork, communication, and building strong relationships with parents and colleagues. She relied on careful planning, short daily task lists, and the support of colleagues and family to balance study and work. Beth highlights the encouragement she received as crucial to her success: “My managers gave me time to study, my tutors guided me, and my family kept me motivated.”

Beth’s proudest achievement so far has been progressing from her apprenticeship to a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood. This September, she takes the next step, starting her BA Honours degree in Working in Integrated Services. Her story demonstrates how apprenticeships can open doors to long-term academic and professional growth. Emma Walker: Headmistress at Davenport Lodge Nursery School

Emma began her childcare apprenticeship at Davenport Lodge Nursery School in 2005, starting as an Early Years Care Apprentice. She valued the practical, hands-on nature of her training: “I gained real experience while progressing my qualifications and career.”

Over the years, Emma steadily advanced her skills and knowledge, completing Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeships in Early Years, a Foundation Degree, a BA Honours in Early Years, and soon, a Level 7 Diploma in Senior Leadership. Her dedication, paired with the supportive environment at Davenport Lodge, helped her grow from an eager apprentice into a confident leader. Today, she is Headmistress at Davenport Lodge Nursery School, guiding both children and staff with the same dedication that fuelled her own learning journey.

Davenport Lodge Nursery, recognised as one of Coventry’s leading early years settings, caters to children aged six weeks to four years and equips learners with the academic, social, physical, and emotional tools they need to thrive. For Emma, the nursery has been more than a workplace; it has been the foundation of a rewarding career.

Now for learners at the very start of their Early Years Care journey: Chamber Training Summer School

This summer, Chamber Training, in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority, hosted an Early Years Care Summer School for learners interested in the sector. The programme introduced participants to creative play, safeguarding, wellbeing, and employability in early years settings. The week concluded with mock interviews led by local employers including Tiny Teddies Day Nursery, Davenport Lodge Nursery School, ABC Nursery, The University of Warwick Nursery, and Castle Nursery School. The hands-on experience and direct employer engagement gave learners a taste of working in early years care and helped build confidence and practical skills. Impressively, 12 learners secured apprenticeships on the day, taking the first step on their own professional journeys.

Supporting Growth Through Apprenticeships Beth and Emma’s stories, along with the achievements of our Summer School learners, demonstrate how Chamber Training apprenticeships provide practical learning, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. From hands-on experience to leadership development, these programmes equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and qualifications to succeed in this vital sector.

Chamber Training offers apprenticeships in Early Years Care, Business Administration, Accountancy, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, and Customer Service. To find out more about how apprenticeships can help grow or upskill your team, contact Chamber Training at enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk or call 024 7623 1122.