QMU Graduate Apprenticeship set to strengthen Scotland’s early childcare sector
Queen Margaret University (QMU) is to introduce a new BA Early Learning and Childcare Graduate Apprenticeship, designed to strengthen Scotland’s early years workforce and provide a flexible, work-based route into a rewarding career supporting young children and their families.
With the new degree starting in September 2027, the innovative two-year course combines academic study with hands-on professional experience, allowing apprentices to work, earn and learn all at the same time. Developed in collaboration with employers and sector partners, the degree is tailored to meet the growing demand for highly skilled practitioners in early learning and childcare settings across Scotland.
The Graduate Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are early in their career in the sector to gain a respected degree while developing practical skills rooted in real-world practice.
Apprentices, who will already have a HNC in Childhood Practice from a further education college in Scotland, will be employed by their organisations throughout the two-year duration of the degree at Queen Margaret University. This will allow them to apply their learning directly within their workplace and contribute to improved outcomes for children at a critical stage of development. As graduate apprenticeships are funded by the Scottish Funding Council, no financial contribution is required from the prospective student or their employer.
Early learning and childcare play a vital role in shaping children’s futures and supporting families and communities. This new Graduate Apprenticeship reflects QMU’s commitment to widening access to higher education and responding to workforce needs. By blending academic rigour with practical experience, we are equipping apprentices with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a meaningful impact in the sector, and to potentially move up into leadership roles.
The course will explore key areas including child development, play-based learning, leadership, inclusive practice and policy. Apprentices will benefit from QMU’s strong reputation in education, wellbeing and social sciences, alongside the University’s focus on person-centred, values-driven professional practice.
Dr Blaisdell continued: “This Graduate Apprenticeship has been designed to support the evolving needs of the early learning and childcare sector by developing confident, reflective practitioners who can make a real difference in children’s lives. By integrating academic learning with workplace experience, apprentices can immediately apply their knowledge in practice with their own employer.”
The course provides clear benefits for employers, supporting the development of a skilled and capable workforce. By investing in employees’ professional growth and leadership potential, organisations can strengthen performance and resilience. The work–earn–learn model also helps improve retention, enabling businesses to retain talent and support long-term success. This new offering builds on QMU’s expertise in teacher education and its commitment to addressing skills gaps in Scotland’s workforce. It also aligns with national priorities to expand and enhance the quality of early learning and childcare provision.
Applications for the BA Early Learning and Childcare Graduate Apprenticeship will open in September 2026 with a start date in September 2027. Prospective apprentices will apply in collaboration with their employer, reflecting the course’s strong emphasis on work-based learning.
A number of early learning and childcare employers and stakeholders will be taking part in a breakfast roundtable event on the 8th of July at QMU. The event will provide an opportunity for businesses and other employers to discuss the needs of the sector and inform the content of the programme. Any employers interested in the programme or taking part in future events related to early years education should contact E:ilo@qmu.ac.uk.
Register your interest in the course here.
More information about the Early Learning and Childcare Graduate Apprenticeship.
For further media information contact: Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk )
