Course Overview

The Scottish Government has outlined an ambition to make Scotland the best place for a child to grow up. They understand that providing the highest quality of childcare and learning from the very beginning is key to laying strong foundations for future generations and that childcare practitioners are pivotal to the success of that vision. 

This course is the first Graduate Apprenticeship in Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland and is unique in its structure and delivery. The program offers you and your employer a work-based learning route that is mutually beneficial: your employer benefits from your growing competency and skillset, and you 'earn while you learn', gaining experience in your industry and increasing your potential to progress in your career, while achieving your degree.

This course is ideal for those new to the sector wishing to gain practitioner registration requirements or those currently in the sector wishing to enhance their practitioner skills and knowledge.

Special features

• Earn while you learn 

• Available throughout Scotland 

• Access to a work-based mentor

• Access to an assessor to observe your practice 

• Access to all your learning resources via the VLE at a time that suits you

• All UHI assessors are qualified practitioners with a BA in Childhood Practice

General Eligibility

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade C or above, preferably including English OR

• 2 A levels at grade C or above, preferably including English

• Alternatively, Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services: Children and Young People

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for SQA vocational awards (HNC, SVQ, etc.) may also be considered. 

• You must be in employment for a minimum of 21 hours per week in the Early Learning and Childcare sector and have the approval of your employer before application

• This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours work permit for international students

Language Requirement

• • Applicants must have an IELTS score- 6.0 or equivalent

  • English (PTE) Academic-58 average with 51 in each component

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT4-Min 80 or above with min 18 in each section