How to start an early years career (with or without experience)

Starting a career in childcare can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure where to begin, or don’t yet have any experience.

The good news is, childcare is one of the most accessible and in-demand career paths in the UK today. Whether you’re just leaving school, changing careers, or returning to work, there are multiple routes into the sector, many of which don’t require prior experience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get into childcare, the different pathways available, and how The Childcare Company can support you every step of the way.

What does a career in childcare look like?

Early years careers are varied, rewarding, and full of opportunities to grow.

Common roles include:

• Nursery Assistant – supporting daily routines and activities
• Early Years Practitioner – working more independently with children’s development
• Room Leader – leading a team within a nursery setting

These roles would enable you to work in settings such as:

• Day nurseries and preschools
• Primary schools (early years settings)
• Residential childcare environments

No two days ever the same in these environments. However, at the heart of every role is the opportunity to support children during their most important, developmental years.

Do you need qualifications to work in childcare?

This is one of the most common questions our team gets asked. The answer is: not always to start, but yes if you want to progress.

To illustrate this, let’s break down role levels:

• No-experience childcare jobs/entry-level positions – some roles, like Nursery Assistant, may not require formal qualifications initially. Aside from formal nursery assistant requirements, employers often value a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in working with children.
• Regulated roles – to take on higher levels of responsibility, as well as increase your earning potential, you’ll usually need recognised UK childcare qualifications. The most common pathways are through a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship, or a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship for higher level roles.

At The Childcare Company, learners are supported to progress from Level 2 to Level 3, creating a clear, structured career pathway.

How to start a childcare career without experience

If you’re starting from scratch, that’s okay. There are still plenty of ways to get your foot in the proverbial door:

• Volunteering – if you’ve been wondering how to work in a nursery or childcare setting, working as a volunteer can help you gain practical experience, build confidence, and strengthen your CV.
• Entry-level roles – some employers offer junior or assistant roles where training is provided on the job. These roles are ideal for building experience while earning.
• UK childcare apprenticeships (your strongest option) – childcare apprenticeships are one of the most popular ways to start without experience, as they combine paid work with structured learning. They allow learners to earn a wage while studying, gain a recognised qualification, and build real-world experience from day one.

The Childcare Company ensures learners are supported from the very beginning, making the transition into childcare smooth, structured, and achievable.

Apprenticeships: your best route into childcare

For many learners, apprenticeships offer the most direct and effective route into childcare.

Here are some of the reasons why:

• Earn while you learn – you’ll be employed in a real childcare setting, gaining hands-on experience while receiving a wage.
• Funded training – your training is paid for via government funding and various additional schemes, meaning you won’t need to pay for your qualification.
• Legitimate work experience – you’ll develop practical, job-ready skills that employers are actively looking for, giving you a strong advantage in the job market.

The Childcare Company works closely with employers to ensure apprentices receive high-quality, high-value training, with personalised support and clear progression opportunities.

What skills do childcare professionals need?

While qualifications are important, your personal skills play a huge role in your success. Skills such as:

• Communication – you’ll need to communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues
• Safeguarding awareness – keeping children safe is a top priority in any childcare role. You’ll learn how to recognise and respond to concerns appropriately.
• Patience and resilience – childcare can be challenging at times, but also incredibly rewarding. Patience, empathy, and resilience will help you thrive in your role.

If you are someone who naturally exhibits these traits, they will help you get your childcare career off to a strong start, whether you have experience or not.

How long does it take to start an early years career?

A significant advantage of a career in childcare is how quickly you can get started.

With entry-level roles, you could start almost immediately. As an apprentice, you can begin typically within weeks of securing a role. It usually takes 12-18 months to achieve a recognised qualification alongside a childcare role.

This means you can begin earning and gaining experience right away, while building towards long-term career progression.

Start your childcare career today

Starting a career in childcare doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to do it alone either.

With The Childcare Company, we can answer your questions, like “Are there any childcare courses near me?” and “where can I begin?”. We can also help you explore apprenticeship opportunities, access fully-funded training, and receive tailored support from our experienced Development Coaches.

Whether just starting out or feeling ready to take the next step, there’s a pathway for you.

Ready to begin your professional childcare journey? Reach out to our team today. Call 01753 596 004 or hit the button below.