Early Learning and Childcare Academy
If you’re interested in a career in Early Learning and Childcare, 16 training opportunities are currently available. If you successfully finish the academy, you will have industry recognised qualifications, supervised childcare experience and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies.
Training
The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive ten-week training course providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector.
Delivery will primarily in-person, supported through e-learning resource and facilitated visits to childcare settings.
Those selected for the Academy will study accredited training modules covering:
- safeguarding
- first aid
- fire safety
- food hygiene
- manual handling
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 get a weekly training allowance of £180 for the duration 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.
When employed you will then 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
- not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status
While there is no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Belfast Metropolitan College Early Learning and Childcare Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades D-G).
How to apply
Apply online at:
Closing date
Completed applications must be received by 12 noon (UK time) on Friday 16 January 2026.
Key dates
Information session and interview dates
Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) will invite eligible applicants to an information session and interview on the week beginning Monday 26 January 2026.
Training dates
Training will take place from Monday 16 February 2026 Friday to 1 May 2026 at BMC’s Castlereagh campus.
Applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.
Training takes place from Monday to Thursday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Training will take place online on Friday's.
Company information
The supporting companies for this academy are:
- Sleepy Hollow
- Clear Day Nurseries
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:
or
- telephone 028 9041 6972
All contact 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.