Peter Cummins, 22, was among 22 students receiving their diplomas at a ceremony on 12 May. He is now working as a nanny in London for a family with two girls and a boy.
The first male graduate of Norland was an overseas student, Katsuki Yuzawa, but Peter is the first British man to complete the three-year course.
He traces his route into childcare back to his gap year when he was staying with family in France and began to do some babysitting for a neighbouring family, looking after six children.
'During the job my French relatives said that I seemed much happier than when I'd been doing my other jobs.' said Peter. 'My grandma and great uncle made a suggestion about childcare and I thought I'd quite like to do that.'
He went to visit Norland College and stayed a week, helping out in the on-site nursery.
Peter said, 'I knew what I was letting myself in for. I think it's a shame not to have more guys around. Some children, boys and girls, just get on with guys better. At some of my placements I was the only man in the whole building.'
Men constitute no more than 2 per cent of the UK's childcare workforce.
Norland College principal Thirza Ashleford said, 'I'd love to see more male students here. There is so much they have to offer. I think that, as with all breakthroughs, there's always a sense of novelty and when that wears off, people start to appreciate the positives. It's good to show boys that men can be caring and nurturing. It's important to develop all sides in all children.'