The data has been provided by Realise - one of the 40 training providers delivering the Early Years Lead Practitioner qualification, which has signed up its 100th learner.
Karen Derbyshire, head of early years at Realise, said, 'It was a huge boost for the entire sector that the Level 5 apprenticeship has gathered so much momentum so quickly.’
The Level 5 apprenticeship, which was approved for delivery last summer, offers learners the opportunity to work in roles such as SENCO, room leader, senior practitioner.
Upon completion of the 18-month programme, learners can also progress on to higher education degree-level courses.
Derbyshire said the drop-off rate for the Level 5 at the six-week stage had been as low as 1 per cent, which she called ‘very encouraging’, suggesting that ‘learners are engaging with the content right from the start of the programme.’
She added, ‘Practitioners who had previously completed their Level 3 apprenticeship are relishing the chance to upskill further and that can only be a positive for the learners, as well as early years employers.
‘This additional opportunity for career progression should be crucial to keeping talented staff in the industry for longer than ever before.’