Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 3 Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Alongside 2 days a week on placement. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | Entry is by interview. Applicants will need a minimum of five GCSE's Grade 4 or above, including maths and English at Grade 4. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
Thank you for your interest in joining us to begin your journey into the inspiring world of Early Years education with our Level 3 Diploma Early Years Workforce course.
This exciting course is designed to equip you with the inspirational skills needed to be responsible for the development, care, and education of children in the Early Years Sector.
Successful completion of this 2 year programme offers our students a direct stepping stone into Early Years sector employment as a Level 3 Licenced Practitioner. This includes roles such as Primary Classroom Assistant, Nursery or Preschool Practitioner, Nanny or Children's Centre Assistant.
The exciting range of course themes are designed to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the role of a quality Early Years Practitioner.
Alongside this, the substantial 750 hours workplace experience ensures students leave with significant confidence in their vocational skills which are highly valued across the choice of sector employment opportunities.
Work experience placements
You will need to complete a practical placement to show competence in your knowledge and skills: a total of 750 hours workplace experience (450 hrs year 1 and 350 hrs year 2) which ensures students leave with significant confidence in their vocational skillset which is highly valued across the vast choice of sector opportunities and university courses.
Further study
T Level in Education and Childcare Level 3
T Level in Education and Assistant Teaching Level 3
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Example careers
Early Years Teacher
Education Consultant
Family Support Worker
Education Mental Health Practitioner
Health Play Specialist
Learning Mentor
Play Therapist
Primary School Teacher
Social Worker
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Youth Worker
Children's Nurse
Speech Therapist
Community Worker
Days & times
Starting September 2024