Shaping Lives is a leading national training provider, committed to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes across various sectors. With a strong focus on childcare apprenticeships, Shaping Lives empowers individuals to develop rewarding careers in early years education, while supporting employers in cultivating a skilled and dedicated workforce.
Shaping Lives offers a range of childcare apprenticeships designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to excel in early years education. These programmes combine hands-on experience with expert-led training, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of children.
Early Years Practitioner (Level 2): This entry-level apprenticeship provides foundational knowledge and practical experience in childcare, focusing on supporting child development in a variety of settings.
Early Years Educator (Level 3): Aimed at those looking to deepen their understanding of early years education, this apprenticeship covers advanced childcare techniques, planning educational activities, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
Teaching Assistant (Level 3): Designed for those pursuing a teaching role, this programme emphasises leadership skills, child safeguarding, and effective communication with families and communities.
Early Years Lead Practitioner (Level 5): This advanced apprenticeship targets professionals looking to take on leadership roles, with a focus on strategic planning, advanced child development theories, and leading teams in educational settings.
Award-Winning Apprenticeships: Shaping Lives is recognised for its exceptional apprenticeship programmes, designed to foster professional growth and development. Our award-winning approach ensures that learners receive the best possible training to succeed in their chosen careers.
Excellent Reputation: With a Trustpilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 500 reviews, Shaping Lives is a trusted provider of apprenticeship training. Our commitment to quality education and learner support is reflected in our excellent reputation among employers and apprentices alike.
High Achievement Rates: Our End Point Assessment pass rates stand at an impressive 99%, with 63% of learners achieving high grades (Merit or Distinction). This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring all learners have the support they need to excel in their apprenticeship and beyond.
Outstanding Learner Support: Shaping Lives is dedicated to providing unparalleled support to our learners. We maintain regular engagement with over 92% of our learners every four weeks, and with over 80% every two weeks, ensuring that they receive the guidance and mentorship needed to succeed.
Safeguarding Excellence: As the only training provider to receive the ‘Gold Standard’ Leaders in Safeguarding award, Shaping Lives is committed to the safety and well-being of our learners. We prioritise creating a secure and supportive environment, allowing apprentices to focus on their growth and development.
High Retention and Recommendation Rates: We pride ourselves on a learner retention rate of 90%, reflecting our commitment to helping learners complete their apprenticeships. Additionally, 9.1 out of 10 apprentices would recommend Shaping Lives to friends and family, highlighting our positive impact on their career journeys.
Shaping Lives provides a clear progression path for learners looking to advance in their careers. Our dedicated career hub offers a wealth of resources, from resume-building tips to interview preparation, ensuring that apprentices have the tools they need to succeed.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move into a leadership role, Shaping Lives supports your journey every step of the way.
Explore our Career Hub for handy information and our Case Studies to see where your apprenticeship could take you.
Shaping Lives is on a mission to transform the early years education sector by developing 10,000 ambitious young adults (aged 16-25) through our childcare apprenticeships by 2030. Our Making a BIG Difference to LITTLE Lives initiative is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of childcare professionals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in children’s lives.
Learn more about this initiative on our blog and discover how you can be a part of this transformative journey.
“At Shaping Lives, we are enthusiastic about joining forces with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs to promote a future in early childhood education that values gender diversity and the positive impact of male role models. By breaking down outdated stereotypes and emphasising the diverse opportunities within early years careers, we aim to encourage more men to consider this rewarding path.
Men bring distinct skills and insights to early education, enriching the learning environment and challenging traditional gender roles, which benefits both children and the broader educational community.
Through this collaboration, we are dedicated to transforming the perception of early childhood education to be more gender-inclusive, ensuring it is welcoming to everyone, regardless of gender. We provide targeted support for our male apprentices, including specialised resources, mentorship opportunities, and a comprehensive support network, while also fostering a culture that values all forms of gender diversity in education.”
Paragon Skills takes pride in the achievements of our learners. One of our childcare apprentices recently won the Trailblazer Apprentice of the Year award, showcasing the potential for success through our programs. Watch their inspiring story below.
Discover key findings from the newly launched Shaping Lives Impact Report, highlighting apprenticeship achievements and sector-wide progress.
Discover how Shaping Lives and MCTJ are championing diversity in early years education, creating inclusive pathways for male apprentices in education.
Nutritional Therapist and Early Years NutritionConsultant
At the intersection of health, nutrition, and early years education stands Louise Mercieca, a dynamic force in the realm of nutritional well-being for young children. A prolific writer with numerous articles and the notable book ‘How Food Shapes Your Child’ under her belt, she has delved deep into the intricacies of how food impacts a child’s development.
Her passion was kindled by two key elements: the journey she undertook with her young son and the extensive research she carried out for her debut book. Not just an author, Louise further extends her reach through the airwaves with her radio show ‘Food For Thought’ on Teacher Hug Radio.
Louise’s commitment doesn’t stop at raising awareness. As an Early Years Nutrition Consultant, she actively collaborates on menu development and nutritional education, ensuring that children receive a balanced and informed start to their dietary journey. Her driving belief is unequivocal: by understanding the bond between food and biology early on, we can preemptively address and potentially prevent many health and dietary issues adults grapple with later in life.
Her dedication to this cause positions her as a beacon for professionals in the Early Years sector, guiding them to understand the pivotal role food plays in holistic child health.
Chef Trainer at LEYF
In the vibrant world of child nutrition and culinary training, Sean Cowden shines as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As of 2022, he took the reins as Chef Trainer for LEYF’s esteemed Early Years Chef Academy courses. Initiated by LEYF in 2019, the Early Years Chef Academy emerged from a pressing need: to guarantee that young learners receive the essential, nutritious food vital for their growth and cognitive development. Through this initiative, chefs are meticulously trained not only in the culinary arts but also in the nuances of child nutrition, sculpting them into experts that inspire children, staff, and parents alike to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
Before his esteemed tenure at LEYF Nurseries, Sean donned the hat of a Head Chef at an independent school, bringing his culinary flair to the academic arena. Additionally, his role as a Training Specialist for Gail’s Bakery further showcases his diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to the world of culinary arts and education.
