For Chris Marsh, a career in education didn’t start with a job advert or a sudden change of direction — it started with simply getting involved. Chris began volunteering at Caroline Chisholm School, initially one day a week, then two. As his confidence grew and his commitment became clear, he was asked to join the team. With the school’s support, Chris took the next step into formal training by completing the Early Years Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship with Heart of England Training (HOET).
It’s a route that made sense for Chris from the beginning. An apprenticeship gave him the chance to keep building experience in a real school environment while working towards a recognised qualification. That combination — learning on the job while developing knowledge and skills — is exactly what makes apprenticeships such a strong option for people who want a practical, hands-on pathway into Early Years.
Learning in the right environment
Chris is clear that working in a school setting is an essential part of becoming confident in an education role. In Early Years especially, you’re not just supporting learning — you’re building relationships, routines, and trust with children, families, and colleagues. For Chris, time in the setting helped him understand children’s development and character in a way that can’t be replicated by theory alone.
He describes the apprenticeship as “extremely beneficial” to his role, because it allowed him to take what he was learning and apply it immediately. That real-time link between training and day-to-day practice helped the learning stick — and helped him grow into the expectations of the job.
Support from Heart of England Training
A consistent theme in Chris’s reflections is the level of support he felt throughout the programme. He describes HOET’s approach as professional, with strong communication, clear planning, and ongoing guidance from his educator.
One thing that could easily have disrupted progress — a change of educator partway through — was handled smoothly. Chris worked with Joanna and then Karen, and he felt the transition was seamless, with no drop in support or clarity. That kind of continuity matters during an apprenticeship, where confidence and momentum can make all the difference.
HOET’s role isn’t just about delivering training — it’s about making sure apprentices feel listened to, supported, and able to progress. Chris’s experience reflects that: he knew where he stood, what was expected, and where to go when he needed help.
Practical advice for future apprentices
Chris also shared grounded advice for anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship in Early Years:
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Stay in regular contact with your educator. Don’t let questions build up — check in, ask early, and keep the communication flowing.
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Ask for support when you need it. Some coursework can feel long and detailed, and it’s much easier when you get guidance sooner rather than later.
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Keep your workplace team lead in the loop. Apprenticeships work best when training and the workplace move together, so keeping school-based support updated is key.
It’s the kind of advice that comes from experience — and it’s a reminder that apprenticeships are a team effort, with the apprentice, employer, and training provider all playing a role in success.
Would Chris recommend HOET?
Yes — and he says so clearly. Chris would recommend completing an apprenticeship with Heart of England Training because he felt HOET were there to listen, help, and support him throughout the process.
Thinking about an apprenticeship in Early Years?
Chris’s journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the opportunity to develop in-role, with training that fits around real work. If you’re an employer looking to grow talent from within, or someone considering a practical route into Early Years, Heart of England Training can help you take that next step with structured training and supportive, professional guidance.
To find out more about Early Years apprenticeships, explore options and speak to the HOET team via hoet.co.uk.
