Day nursery harnesses WCC apprenticeship schemes to upskill its team

"The application process for the Levy Share was good and straightforward and the scheme really helped us to upskill our team and support our training needs."

A day nursery in Nuneaton has upskilled its team after benefiting from two associated schemes delivered by Warwickshire Skills Hub.

Jack In The Box, in Manor Court Road, accessed funds from Warwickshire County Council's Apprenticeship Levy share scheme to help cover the training costs for talented young nursery practitioner Victoria Gray.

The nursery also applied for the council's Apprenticeship Progression Incentive which is designed to help businesses progress apprentices on to a second qualification. This ensured that Victoria could continue working and add to her qualifications by working towards her Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

By combining the Levy funds and Progression Incentive, Jack in the Box nursery benefited from a fully funded Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship plus a £1,000 incentive payment to support any costs incurred by the nursery.

It all amounted to invaluable training support at a time when the Early Years sector is facing the many challenges imposed by the pandemic.

Jack in the Box assistant manager Clare Jephcote said: "The application process for the Levy Share was good and straightforward and the scheme really helped us to upskill our team and support our training needs.

"I would definitely recommend the Levy scheme to other businesses."

The training was delivered at the nursery by Realise Training and their Head of Early Years and Education, Karen Derbyshire said: “Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for learners to gain valuable skills, earn a living and carve out a career. Nowadays, more than ever, organisations are utilising the power of apprenticeships to support their recruitment needs and to grow talent from within.

“The Apprenticeship Levy transfer service has provided businesses with the chance to benefit from funds that weren’t previously available to them. Thanks to Warwickshire County Council supporting local employers in this way, it has allowed Victoria the opportunity to build a brilliant new career path in Early Years.

"I wish Victoria and the team at Jack In The Box every success.”

Heather Docksey, Business Skills Support Advisor at Warwickshire Skills Hub, said: “By combining these two funding initiatives, Jack In The Box has shown how easy it can be to support and develop their apprentices, increase staffing levels and maintain their high standards.

"I would encourage all businesses across the county to find out more about our programmes and see how they would benefit them."

More information can be found here or by calling 02476 796461.