Apprentice Appreciation
At Willow Cottage we are extremely proud of our apprentices. It has not been the easiest of years to study and start a career in Early Years but across Bletchingdon, Eynsham and Farmoor the story is the same. Our apprentices are flying.
When apprentices first join Willow Cottage we invest our time, knowledge and experience right from the start. Allowing our Level 2 Trainee Early Years Practitioner apprentices the opportunity to settle in slowly. We choose not to include them in our staffing ratios initially whilst they are learning so much and the teams are so appreciative of the extra pair of hands that give them support within every area of practice.
The ability to learn about their chosen career in a less pressured environment is invaluable. Our apprentices are able to support our teams, build their confidence, add their ideas for activities and gain learning opportunities for both themselves and the children as part of the wider team. It’s wonderful to see their personal development into professional, enthusiastic practitioners and for us to have opportunities to help them further their career through our company.
Amy, one of our apprentices at Farmoor says, “Having just started my Level 2 (Early Years Practitioner) apprenticeship at Willow Cottage, I feel really settled in and really welcomed by each and every member of team. During the time I have spent here so far I have progressed in many areas and built lots of confidence when it comes to working around the children.
I have particularly enjoyed being able to get involved with creating activities for the children to do and having the time to interact with them outside of training hours. Being an apprentice at Willow Cottage has opened up so many amazing opportunities for me and I can say it is definitely a really enjoyable, welcoming and rewarding environment to be working in.”
Beth, a Level 3 Early Years Educator at Bletchingdon says, “My Level 3 is off to a good start and I really appreciated the fact that it was pushed to get me started when the college staff were behind due to COVID and holidays. I’m always clearly (assigned) time out of the room and given the full time needed. All managers are helpful with any questions I have regardless of how busy they are.”
Apprentices on each level are role modelled and mentored by our managers, qualified staff and Head Teacher as well as by college tutors and assessors. In fact the whole of the nursery team have learnt to support and encourage apprentices. We know that these talented young practitioners will be the Early Years Professionals educating and nurturing young minds into the future. Thank you to all of our current and qualified apprentices, for the work you do, the care you show and your passion and enthusiasm. Keep doing what you’re doing, we appreciate you greatly.
To find out about working for Willow Cottage and a full list of positions available, please see our job vacancies
Our nurseries are a special and rewarding place for your child. Find out more about our nurseries.
