Busy Bees nursery chain has launched its biggest ever recruitment drive as it looks to take on 700 new apprentices across the UK and 14 positions are available to people in Bristol.
Having faced significant staffing challenges in the wake of the pandemic, the childcare provider is offering candidates the chance to become Early Years Educators within two years. Chris McCandless, Chief Operating Officer at Busy Bees, said: "We’re making this vital investment now, to secure and nurture talent coming into our industry which will enable us to continue supporting parents whilst helping their children get the best start in life.”
With two new apprentice roles available at each of Busy Bees’ seven centres across the region, successful candidates will have the chance to work to, wards a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education, while also gaining practical experience in creating a happy and safe environment in which children can play and learn. The salary being advertised for the Bristol roles is £6.50 per hour in the first year of training.
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Each new recruit will be guaranteed a permanent job with Busy Bees on the successful completion of their apprenticeship, plus the chance to go on and study a Level 5 qualification to become an Early Years Practitioner. Sandy Silvester, Director of Operations for Busy Bees Education and Training, said: "This is a great opportunity for anyone in Bristol who is dedicated to caring for children and will always put the child’s happiness at the heart of everything they do.”
Eleanor (Ellie) Pratt from Portishead said after finishing her A-levels in 2020 she wanted to take a gap year to go travelling but after the pandemic struck, her plans immediately changed. Fortunately, she realised her love for children and began working toward her Level two qualification at a nearby Busy Bee Nursery in September last year - with the hope of progressing onto level three alongside a full-time contract in the near future.
“I would urge anyone wanting to work in the childcare industry just to enjoy it, and not to worry about whether you’re going to be good enough. You will learn as you go, and your day-to-day responsibilities quickly become a natural routine for you and the children you are responsible for," she added.
Busy Bees Nursery locations in the Bristol region recruiting for Apprentice Early Years Educator
- Emersons Green - x2
- Portishead - x2
- Bradley Stoke - x2
- Stoke Gifford - x2
- Barrs Court - x2
- Weston-Super-Mare Milton Road - x2
- Weston Super Mare - x2
Salary: £6.50 per hour in the first year of training, the business says, compared to the National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice of £4.30 per hour.
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