Apprentice Responsibilities: What’s Expected During Your Apprenticeship

Your apprenticeship is a partnership

An apprenticeship is a shared journey between you, your employer and The Childcare Company. Each person has an important role to play in helping you succeed.

As an apprentice, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your role, while developing your confidence and experience in the workplace. In return, you’re expected to take an active role in your learning, engage with your programme and make the most of the support available to you.

Success comes from working together. By staying committed, communicating openly and taking responsibility for your progress, you’ll be able to get the most from your apprenticeship and build the skills that will help shape your future.

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s expected of you throughout your apprenticeship and how you can take ownership of your learning journey.

Let’s get started.

What is expected of you as an apprentice?

Your apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn, develop and progress in your chosen career. The more you engage with your learning, the more you’ll gain from the experience.

To get the most from your apprenticeship, you are expected to:

• Take responsibility for your own learning and development
• Engage fully with learning activities, sessions and discussions
• Complete and record your off-the-job training hours
• Attend progress reviews and stay in regular contact with your coach
• Apply your learning in your workplace setting
• Follow workplace policies, procedures and professional standards
• Demonstrate inclusive, respectful and positive behaviours when working with children, young people, families and colleagues

Your apprenticeship is designed to support you to grow both personally and professionally. By staying committed, asking questions and making the most of every learning opportunity, you’ll be building the foundations for a successful career.

Taking ownership of your learning journey

You may hear the phrase ‘taking ownership’ during your apprenticeship. This means being responsible for your own progress and recognising the part you play in achieving your goals.

Taking ownership doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means being proactive, staying engaged and understanding that your actions can make a real difference to your learning experience.

Taking responsibility for your apprenticeship will help you to:

• Make consistent progress throughout your programme
• Develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your role
• Feel confident applying your learning in your workplace
• Prepare for your End-Point Assessment (EPA), where applicable
• Build skills that support your future career progression

Being a successful apprentice is about showing commitment, being open to feedback and having a willingness to learn. These qualities will help you become a valued member of your setting and make a positive impact on the children, young people and families you support.

Making the most of the support available

Taking responsibility for your apprenticeship doesn’t mean you’re expected to do it alone. At The Childcare Company, we’re here to support you throughout your learning journey.

As an apprentice, you’ll have access to support including:

• Regular guidance and support from your dedicated coach
• A personalised learning plan linked to your role and goals
• Progress reviews to celebrate achievements and identify next steps
• Support from your employer and workplace team
• Access to learning resources and additional guidance throughout your programme

Asking for help is an important part of learning and development. Whether you need clarification, additional support or simply want to talk through your progress, our team is here to help you succeed.

Your success starts with you

An apprenticeship is a chance to invest in yourself, develop new skills and take steps towards your future career.

There may be times when learning feels challenging, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. By staying motivated, using the support available and believing in your ability, you’ll continue to move closer towards your goals.

Remember, your apprenticeship is more than just gaining a qualification. It’s about building confidence, developing your skills and making a lasting impact in your role.

Take every opportunity to learn, ask questions when you need support and celebrate your progress along the way.

With the right commitment and support, your future isn’t just something to dream about — it’s something you can build.

Need more support? Visit our Learner Hub for helpful resources and guidance throughout your apprenticeship journey.