Early Learning and Childcare Academy

Training

The Early Learning and Childcare Assured Skills Academy is an intensive eight-week training course providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector.

The course will primarily be delivered in-person, supported through eLearning resources and facilitated placement visits to childcare settings.

Those selected for the academy will study accredited training modules covering:

• Safeguarding
• Pediatric First Aid at Work
• Food Hygiene
• Micro Credentials in the Early Years Setting

The academy training will develop sector relevant skills including play facilitation, observation techniques, storytelling, and child development inclusive practice.

Supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Training allowance

Those taking part in the academy will receive a weekly training allowance of £185 for the length of the academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare expenses where people qualify.

If you successfully finish the academy, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company. 

However, an interview is not a guarantee of a job. 

Offers of employment will be solely at the discretion of the companies following the interview.  Once employed, you will have the opportunity to continue your studies through the Apprenticeship Programme.

Who can apply

Applicants must:

• be at least 18 years old
• have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application which will be verified before interview if applicable
• not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status

Whilst there is no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G), which will be checked before interview.

How to apply

Apply online at: 

• Early Learning and Childcare Academy application

Closing date

Completed applications must be received by noon (UK time) on Friday 17 April.

Information session and Interview dates

Northern Regional College (NRC) will invite eligible applicants to attend an information session and interview that will take place on the week beginning Monday 27 April 2026.

Training dates

Training will take place from Thursday 7 May to Wednesday 1 July 2026 at NRC's Ballymena campus. 

Training hours are from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm each weekday, with days on campus, on placement and working from home.

Successful applicants must be available for the whole of the training period. 

Company information

The supporting companies participating in the Academy are:

• Sleepy Hollow Group
• Nellie’s Daycare
• Little Rays Nursery
• Willowbank Daycare Nursery
• Laura’s Lodge Day Nursery
• Inkpots Day Nursery
• Allstars Breakfast, After School and Holiday Club

Living outside Northern Ireland

If you live outside Northern Ireland, by accepting an offer of a place on this pre-employment training academy, you are committing to attending training and pursuing a job opportunity in Northern Ireland.

Applications are welcome from everyone who meets the essential criteria and are particularly welcome from people returning to work after caring for their children or other family members.

Help to apply

If you have a disability and need help to complete this form email: 

• assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk

or

• telephone 028 9041 6972

All correspondence with applicants will be through email. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to act on this within the given time frame.

Further information

For more information on this academy or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk

Privacy notice

To find out how your information will be managed, you can view the privacy notice for Assured Skills.