Our 2018 Apprenticeship programme is now closed. We’ll be updating you on the successful candidates over on the blog soon!

Open to applicants at all 4 of our Stramash Outdoor Nursery sites – Oban, Fort William, Elgin & Tornagrain!

If you are ready to change your life and career with an organisation who will support you, give you hands on experience and deliver the training and direction you need to reach your goals, apply now!

To request an application pack please complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Job Description

Job Title:  Apprentice Practitioner	Location:  Stramash Outdoor Nursery, Fort William, Oban, Elgin or Tornagrain
Hours:  Full-time (40 hours per week) with occasional evening and weekend duties	Reports to:  Nursery Team Leader, Fort William, Oban, Elgin or Tornagrain
Contract:  24 months fixed term starting August 2018	Leave entitlement:  24 days per year plus 4 public holidays at Christmas and New Year
Salary: £7696 for the first year, subject to any statutory increase on 1st April 2019. During the second year, the salary is the age-related minimum wage for those aged 19+ and apprentice wage for under-19s.

 

Purpose:

To complete a two year Modern Apprenticeship with Stramash:

• work as part of the Stramash Team to provide high-quality learning and play opportunities in an outdoor nursery setting to children aged 2 to 5 years (primary age during school holidays)
• foster an environment which supports every child’s needs and encourages every child’s development
• use this work-based practice to complete a SVQ Level 3 in Social Services (Children & Young People)

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Work together with the Nursery Team to deliver high quality pre-school early learning and childcare provision in an outdoor setting.
2. Take part in a training programme which will provide underpinning knowledge and understanding of children’s learning, care and development, through monthly tutor sessions and completion of a series of assignments.
3. Use this work-based practice to put together a portfolio of evidence demonstrating performance and knowledge in order to complete a Level 3 SVQ in Social Services (Children & Young People), with the support of a work-based Assessor.  
4. Take on increasing responsibility for a small group of children, ensuring they have access to and participate in, a range of outdoor learning and play opportunities.
5. Help to promote a happy, caring and welcoming atmosphere for children, parents, staff, volunteers and visitors.
6. Support other members of staff as required.
7. Assist in providing effective and regular feedback to parents.
8. Assist with the recording and reporting of children’s learning, care and development.
9. Assist with the care, maintenance and security of the nursery site, equipment and resources.
10. Implement all Stramash policies and procedures.
11. Take part in regular and appropriate professional development and training opportunities.
12. Assist with the planning and delivery of special nursery events and activities, some of which may take place during evenings and weekends.

In Common with All Stramash Employees:

• Demonstrate commitment to the Stramash ethos, purpose, objectives and work practices
• Undertake continuing personal development through active participation in work reviews, appraisals and agreed training (internal and external) as required
• Take part in other Stramash activities where appropriate

 

The above list is intended to give an indication of the range of duties required for the role. Other tasks and responsibilities appropriate to the role may be expected.

 

Person Specification

Job Title:  Apprentice Practitioner

Location:  Stramash Outdoor Nursery, Fort William, Oban, Elgin or Tornagrain

Requirement	Essential	Desirable	How Assessed?
Qualifications / Education	At least National 5 English or equivalent		Application form
Experience		Experience of working with or volunteering with nursery or primary aged children Experience of working as part of a team	Application form and interview
Knowledge	Basic knowledge of Stramash and what we do	Basic knowledge of nature and the outdoor environment Basic understanding of how children learn and the early years curriculum	Application form and interview
Skills & Competencies	Good communication Team worker Good time management Organisation		Application form and interview
Personal Qualities	Willingness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge Desire to carry out tasks to a high standard Motivated and enthusiastic Enjoys working with young children Happy to work outside all year round in all weathers Committed to completing a Level 3 SVQ, most of which will be done outwith work time	Interest in nature and a desire to look after the environment	Application form and interview
Other	Happy to complete a PVG check with Stramash Able to organise transport to the nursery site on a daily basis	Computer literate Aged between 16 to 19 years at the start of the apprenticeship	Application form and interview

 

Open Sessions:

• Elgin & Tornagrain (all at Spynie) – Wed 23rd May 1430 to 1730 
• Fort William – Monday 28th May 1430 to 1730 
• Oban – Thurs 31st May – 1300 to 1500 

 

‘We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group but, as men are currently underrepresented at this level of post, we would encourage applications from members of this groups. Appointment will be based on merit alone’.