The NI Traineeship provides a high-quality vocational education and training programme for those who aspire to work within a specific sector.  Full details of the programme is available in our Traineeship page.

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which will include direct observation by a lecturer or assessor within the workplace written assignments and oral questions.

The Level 2 Childcare Traineeship is designed to provide students with an awareness and appreciation of the children and young people sector and the differing childcare employment opportunities that are available. Students will be supported by professional staff who are experienced and enthusiastic about children’s care, learning and development. 

The course features a combination of work-based as well as classroom and project based learning.  Students will be guided in developing understanding and key skills which will be essential in order to secure future employment in the sector.  The course includes the study of important childcare theory; best practice and essential employment skills including communication and teamwork.   

Example units:

• Communication in the Early Years
• Health and Safety
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Child Development
• Additional Needs
• Introduction to Play
• Professional Practice
• Practical Early Years Project (End point assessment)
• Early Years frameworks
• Creativity in the Early Years
• Outdoor learning, risk and challenge
• Personal Care and Nutrition

On completion of the Traineeship, you can progress to a Level 3 further education course such as Level 3 Children’s Care Learning & Development or a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship (possibly with your work placement employer).  This can lead you to Higher Education options.

You must:

• Be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
• Have a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. However, most areas will require higher grades in Maths and English.  See our Traineeship page for specific grades for each vocational area.
• Attend an information session.