Early Learning and Childcare Academy
If you’re interested in a career in Early Learning and Childcare 20 training places are currently available at Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC). If you successfully finish the academy, you will gain industry recognised qualifications and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies
Training
The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive training course under the Assured Skills Programme which has been developed to prepare you for a job in the sector.
Training will take place on a part-time basis and continue as follows:
- weeks 1 to 4 from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm
- weeks 5 to 7 from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
- weeks 8 to 12 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
The course will be delivered mainly in-person, supported by e-learning resources and facilitated visits to childcare settings.
Those selected for the Academy will study accredited training modules covering:
- safeguarding
- first aid
- food hygiene
- manual handling
- digital documentation training
- workplace integration
- health declaration
- supervised engagement with children
If you successfully finish the course you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company.
Training allowance
Those taking part in the Academy will get £87.50 a week training allowance for the first four weeks of the Academy and £175 from week five onwards as well as help with travel and childcare costs.
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- be at least 18-years-old by Monday 11 November 2024
- be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application
While there is no minimum level of qualification to apply for the BMC Early Learning and Childcare Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher in English and Maths which is equivalent to GCSE grades D - G.
How to apply
Apply online at:
Closing date
Completed applications must be received by noon on Friday 4 October 2024.
Key dates
Eligible applicants will be invited by BMC to an information session on the week beginning Monday 14 October 2024.
Interviews will take place on the week beginning Monday 21 October 2024.
Successful applicants will attend intensive training from Monday 11 November to Friday 14 February at BMC's campus in Castlereagh.
Company information
The supporting companies taking part in the Academy are:
- Adventures Day Nursery
- Neddy Teddy's
- Sleepy Hollow
- Wee Care
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.
Disability Requirements and Reasonable Adjustment Requests
To ensure that all applicants have the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability in either an application or an interview situation, any reasonable adjustments you may require will be considered if you are offered a place on the academy.
If you require any form of reasonable adjustment to complete the application or interview process, note this in the application.
You must provide full details of the adjustment required and may be asked to provide appropriate evidence to support your request.