Preparing for a career dedicated to the care and development of children is very rewarding.
There are lots of different careers in childcare, including becoming a nanny, playworker, childcare professional or teacher. Wirral Met College offers a range of full time childcare courses, from level 1 to level 3. Many students gain the qualifications they need at college before progressing onto employment, university or higher education. Others gain qualifications by studying part-time whilst they work, and many more now work their way through apprenticeships up the career ladder.
Childcare apprenticeships provide all the theoretical knowledge needed for a career in child development and early year’s education. Apprenticeship programmes are unique as they also provide the opportunity to develop a range of practical skills, gain qualifications and you can earn a salary all at the same time!
If you enjoy working with children and would like to play a part in their education and wellbeing, a job as a teaching assistant could be ideal for you. Once you have started work as a teaching assistant in a nursery, infant or junior school, special school, secondary 
school or independent school, there are good opportunities to develop your career by completing further qualifications right up to higher level. You could also go on to train as a teacher if you meet the entry requirements.
Meet the student
Eleanor Higgins completed CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education at Wirral Met and she is now studying BA (Hons) Early Years Education with QTS at Edge Hill University. Eleanor also works at Treetops Nurseries and fits in work around her studies.
Eleanor commented, “Completing my course at Wirral Met equipped me with the knowledge, skills and qualifications that I needed to access higher education. The extra specific skill courses available have also benefited me in enhancing my CV and stating out in my UCAS application.”
Eleanor plans to graduate from university with a first class honours degree next year and then progress onto a job in a school to complete her teacher training (NQT) year.
As you may be aware, students have to stay in education until they reach the age of eighteen. However, this doesn’t mean staying on to study at school or sixth form, students can choose to study at college or school, get a job or an apprenticeship. Wirral Met College offers a wide variety to courses and apprenticeships across a range of sectors to suit many different careers. More information about courses and apprenticeships at Wirral Met College is available at wmc.ac.uk.
The college also holds the national Matrix Quality Standard which means it is committed to providing an impartial advice and guidance service. Wirral Met’s Student Advisers can help you find the right course for you, explore your options, discuss your career ideas, access support services and explain any financial support you may be entitled to. If you need help with choosing the right course, speak to a Student Adviser on 0151 551 7777. If you are aged 16-18 or are an existing student (any age) and would prefer to come into college and speak to our Student Advisers face to face, come to our drop in sessions at our Conway Park Campus, Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Tuesdays 10am-6.30pm (term time only). If you are aged 19 and over, and haven't previously studied at Wirral Met, come along to our advice and guidance sessions run by the National Careers Service. This is an appointment only service, just call 0151 551 7777 or pop into our Conway Park Campus to make an appointment.