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 and will take place in person at Belfast Metropolitan College’s (BMC), Castlereagh Campus
Those taking part in the academy will develop skills including play facilitation, observation techniques, storytelling, child development inclusive practice, manual handling and fire safety.
Those chosen for the academy will also study accredited training modules including:
- Safeguarding
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene
Those taking part in the academy will also study an OCN Level 2 qualification in Infant Mental Health. This accredited qualification will provide participants with a deeper understanding of early childhood development, including the importance of secure attachments, emotional wellbeing, and the impact of early experiences on long-term development. It will also equip learners with practical strategies to support infants’ social and emotional needs within a childcare setting.
There will also be an opportunity to put these skills into practice during six days of placement. This supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings.
Training allowance
Participants 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. 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
Whilst there are 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).
How to apply
Apply online at:
Closing date
Completed applications must be received by noon (UK time) on Friday 14 August 2026.
Key dates
Information session and interview dates
BMC will invite eligible applicants to an online information session during the week beginning 24 August 2026, and to an interview during the week beginning Monday 7 September 2026.
Training dates
Training will take place from Monday 28 September until Friday 18 December 2026 at BMC’s Castlereagh campus.
Training takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Friday on campus.
Successful applicants must be available for the whole of the training period.
Company information
The supporting companies participating in the 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 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.