Catalyst Academies Trust
Early Years Apprentice
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Job Ref No. ECC2429-180S
Position Start Date
01/09/2026
Application Close
30/06/2026 Midnight
Position Type
Teaching/Child Support
Contract Type
Full-time
Date of Interviews
06/07/26 and ongoing
Pay Range
£12,794
Contract Term
Fixed
Job Description
Early Years Apprenticeship Level 2
This is a fantastic opportunity for applicants to train as a Level 2 Early Years Apprentice. This is an advanced pathway for those who already work in school or who are interested in working with children.
Role
The course is one academic year (12 months) and at the end of it you will have gained an Early Years Apprenticeship. This could lead to the following roles:
- Teaching Assistant
- HLTA
- Foundation degree
- BA (Hons)
- Qualified Teacher Status
Who is suitable for an apprenticeship?
Employers will be particularly interested in applicants who have a keen interest in providing excellent support within a school environment and working as part of a team. You should be able to demonstrate excellent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Potential candidates are expected to have achieved GCSE A-C or 9-4 in English and maths. Science is preferable if applicants are considering a teaching route later. We accept applicants who are currently studying for their GCSEs. The college expectation is that applicants do not need a grade 4 or above but the schools expect this.
Will I get paid as an apprentice?
Yes, your employer will pay you at least £8.00 (April 2026) per hour in your first year for at least 30 hours per week (college day included) for 52 weeks of the year. They must also allow you to take at least 28 days per year annual leave, including bank holidays, and pay you for it.
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How is the Apprenticeship Assessed?
Your assessor will visit you within the workplace to assess your progress and you will attend training for 1 day per week. Weekly training will take place at Dilkes Academy, South Ockendon. You will develop your skills and knowledge whilst on and off the job and will receive regular supervision and mentoring from your employer.
What could this Apprenticeship lead to?
This apprenticeship will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and professional skills you can use in your current/future career within education. On completion you can move on in your vocational field into Teaching Assistant roles or even onto a Level 3 TA apprenticeship. This could then lead to a teaching degree and QTS.
What are the costs?
There are no costs to the apprentice to complete this apprenticeship programme, costs will be incurred if apprentices go on to complete a foundation degree, BA Hons and eventually QTS if they chose to train to become a qualified teacher. The apprentice therefore may need to take out a small student loan to cover these expenses.
How do I apply?
All apprentices must have employment to complete an apprenticeship, for help with employment and to find out more, telephone David Cornwell on 01245 293119 or e-mail cornwelld@chelmsford.ac.uk.
You can also contact Andrea Parfett at Dilkes Academy for more information: andrea.parfett@catrust.org.uk
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You should search for our apprenticeship on the following website: Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
Information about the School
Visits to the school are both positively encouraged and warmly welcomed. Also, you are very welcome to have an informal, confidential discussion with Martin Curtis, our Headteacher about this vacancy.
Please contact our school office on 01708 853397 or admin.shps@catrust.org.uk to arrange these.
We are proud of our children and our facilities and confident that you will want to work here.
This is an exciting time to join our school. We have amazing children, a great team, excellent facilities and spacious classrooms.
Our collaboration with the other schools within Catalyst Academies Trust supports teachers and we hope you would like to be part of our aim to provide outstanding education for all children.
Somers Heath is situated close to the M25 and A13 road links, near The Dartford Crossing and Lakeside Shopping Centre.
Catalyst Academies Trust are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people.
We expect all our staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be made a conditional offer subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical check, and references. Applicants will also be required to complete a 'Disqualification by Association' declaration.
Contact Information
Martin Curtis
Somers Heath Primary School
Foyle Drive, South Ockendon
Essex, RM15 5LX
Telephone: 01708 853397
Email: admin.shps@catrust.org.uk
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