Advocating for men in early years

The Childcare Company is passionate about supporting UK men in childcare pursuing early years careers. In 2025, we introduced a new training pathway with this in mind. Our Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship (Men in Childcare Pathway) focuses on addressing the gender imbalance in the sector by championing the role of men in nurseries and schools. With only 2% of the UK early years workforce being male, our team wants to change that statistic.

Join The Childcare Company for an uplifting childcare apprenticeship success story, as we catch up with Jay to talk about his early years apprenticeship experience, his career progression as a male early years practitioner, and how he is challenging stereotypes daily.

The challenge: breaking stereotypes in childcare

Studies have shown that when children learn and develop with the support of both men and women, the outcomes are much more balanced, and positive. A mix of perspectives matters. Plus, The Childcare Company has seen firsthand that men have plenty to offer a sector that is crying out for skilled, qualified staff.

A superb example of men succeeding in early years education is Jay Sparkle. Since completing his apprenticeship with us, Jay has gone from strength to strength.

Our team caught up with Jay a while ago to find out how things were going for him, as well as ask him to reveal the advice he has for men thinking of building a meaningful early years career.

Why Jay chose a childcare apprenticeship

It’s great to catch up with you, Jay! Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jay. I work as a Senior Nursery Manager. I’ve worked in the early years Sector for 15 years and have held a variety of roles. I have a six-year-old son who has a variety of Special Educational Needs (SEN). He is amazing, and is my inspiration!

Incredible! What are you most looking forward to post-apprenticeship?

I’m looking forward to continuing to make a difference to the lives of the children we care for. I love being site based and listening to all the stories children tell. I feel we can learn a lot from children. I’m also looking forward to empowering my team to excel in their careers.

What is it about childcare that you love the most?

It’s the stories that children tell, and being able to see the difference I make. You know, we don’t always know the story of each family’s dynamic. I find it interesting how, in the sector, we normalise all family set ups. There’s no judgement, and everyone is accepted. I also love it when I can support a parent who’s struggling, or just needs a cup of tea and a chat. We don’t only make a difference to the children’s lives, but to the parents too.

Apprenticeship experience and leadership development

What was it about your apprenticeship experience that impacted you the most, from both a personal and professional standpoint?

For me personally, it helped me build upon the foundations of everything I’d learned up to that point. It has really helped me as a leader to understand why things happen. Professionally, it has given me the confidence to lead with passion.

What advice would you give to guys who either want to get into childcare, or are considering a career change, but are intimidated by gender stereotypes?

I know it’s a bit of cliché, but ignore the stereotype. It doesn’t matter what sector you work in, there is such a mix of people. Although I’ve come up against some challenges in my career, I overcame them. If you are truly passionate about wanting to work with children, then do it! Don’t bow down to the stereotype that male practitioners are great at sport and are active. Trust me, I’m no sporty person. Give me a book any day over a football! Honestly, give it a go, you’ll find that there are so many emotional rewards in the sector.

Career progression after the apprenticeship

Jay successfully completed his End-Point Assessment (EPA) and achieved a Distinction for his apprenticeship. Since this conversation, Jay has gone on launch his own consultancy, and receive recognition for championing inclusivity in the early years sector. The Childcare Company is in no doubt that he will continue to thrive in his career.

How apprenticeships benefit employers

For employers as well as learners, the benefits of apprenticeships in childcare are undeniable. Jay’s experience showcases the impact these programmes can have.

The Childcare Company’s Development Coach-led approach ensures:

• Better staff capability
• Positive outcomes for young people
• A more confident workforce
• Improved retention rates
• Increased levels of morale

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to develop and retain skilled staff in the childcare sector.

Supporting diversity in the early years workforce

Jay is just one example of a man succeeding in the early years sector. The Childcare Company will always advocate for diversity in the early years workforce. We look forward to seeing more male candidates venture into the profession, and ‘sparkle’ in childcare career progression as Jay has.

Learners: start your childcare apprenticeship. Employers: build a diverse, high-performing team with expert-led training. Reach out to The Childcare Company team today. Call 01753 596 004, or hit the button below.