Childcare and Early Years Apprentice at Bell Day Nursery is named Apprentice of the Year

A student who works in a Saffron Walden nursery has been named Childcare and Early Years Apprentice of the Year in annual awards organised by Cambridge Regional College.

The awards are an opportunity to celebrate excellent employers and employees from across the region.

Faith Moore, 17, a childcare and early years apprentice with the Bell Day Nursery, said: “Classroom learning is fine but I like doing the job and wanted to get the hands-on learning experience. I wanted to interact with the children as much as possible to help me learn.

“I always wanted to work with children ever since I was little. We have lots of children in the family and I just love being around them.

“Apprenticeships are really good because you get the real experience and get more of a social aspect other than just learning basics at college. You can mix theory and practical work. It has worked really well for me.”

Bell Day Nursery has been running for more than 30 years and in the last six years has taken on around 20 apprentices.

Gina Owers, Nursery Manager, said: “Apprenticeships give young people hands-on experience while getting their qualifications at college. They find it easier to handle a steady flow of work at college while backing it up with what they learn at work.

“Right from the start Faith took every single piece of information on board and she kept up with all of her college work. She is good with the children and the staff love her. She is great.

“We have a good relationship with CRC which helps when new apprentices come on board. It is a great way to train new talent.”

• To find out about the apprenticeship route into a great career follow the link