Early Learning and Childcare Academy
If youre 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 10 week training course providing practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the sector and will take place in person at Belfast Met, Castlereagh Campus
Participants will develop skills including play facilitation, observation techniques, storytelling, child development inclusive practice, manual handling and fire safety.
Those selected for the Academy will also study accredited training modules including:
Safeguarding
First Aid
Food Hygiene
Participants will also study an OCNLevel 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 practise during 6 days of placement. This supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings.
Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £185 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare expenses where people qualify.
If you successfully complete the Academy, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company. 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 and
- 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: Early Learning and Childcare Academy 26/27 Applications
Closing Date
Completed applications must be received by noonon Friday 14 August 2026.
Key dates
Information session and Interview dates
Belfast Met will invite eligible applicants to attend an Online Information session week commencing 24 August 2026, and an interview that will take place week commencing Monday 7 September 2026.
Training dates
Training will take place fromMonday28 September until Friday 18 December 2026 at Belfast MetsCastlereagh campus.
Training takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. 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.
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