Blog
From Apprentice to Early Years Educator: Jas Edwards’ Journey with Kindred Nurseries
Jas Edwards joined our team in February 2023 as an unqualified practitioner, brining with her a genuine enthusiasm for early childhood dvelopment and a keen interest in supporting children's unique learning styles.
From day one, her dedication to nurturing young learners was clear, making it a natural step in her journey to enrol in the Level 3 Early Years Educator programme with Hawk Training in October 2023.
The Hawk Training Apprenticeship scheme provides a structured and progressive pathway for early years professionals to develop their careers. Through a blended learning approach that combines face-to-face sessions and online learning apprentices gain the expertise they need to excel in their roles, with lots of opportunities for progression.
Jas’s dedication has recently been recognised in more ways than one. Alongside recently becoming a fully qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator, she was also named as a finalist for the NMT National Apprentice of the Year Award 2025 a fantastic achievement that reflects her commitment to excellence in early years education.
With National Apprenticeship Week approaching, we wanted to sit down with Jas and learn more about her journey, the challenges she's overcome, and the impact the apprenticeship has had on her professional growth.
How does it feel to be a fully qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator?
"Truthfully, it can be a bit daunting now that I have responsibility, but at the same time relieving. I had worked so hard to be accepted onto the apprenticeship scheme with Hawk Training, as well as all the coursework and exams!
It feels great to now work with the confidence and knowledge that I am providing the best possible care for the children that I can."
What made you want to do an apprenticeship in Early Years Education?
"When I first started as a practitioner, I had so many questions! I noticed we did things a bit differently like, we don't ask the children to say ‘sorry’ or we let them create their own art instead of following a set template. I really wanted to understand the logic behind those choices so I could feel more confident in my work. The apprenticeship was the perfect way to connect those dots. It opened my eyes to how much a child’s brain grows before age five and helped me make sense of different behaviors. It was a true turning point that showed me just how much of an impact we have on a child's future."
What's the biggest thing you've learned on your apprenticeship?
"For me, the biggest thing I've learned on my apprenticeship is how much our own presence can affect the children. They are so perceptive, and I quickly learned that they can sense my mood even when I don’t realise it. I’ve worked hard on myself to make sure I’m always showing up as my most positive, calm and approachable self. 'Leaving it at the door' became a huge focus for me; I want to make sure that when I step into that room, I am fully there to support with whatever they might need."
Was there a moment during your apprenticeship that made you feel really proud?
"One moment during my apprenticeship that made me feel really proud was being told that I had been nominated by Kindred for the NMT Apprentice of the Year 2025. Being nominated for such an amazing award really made me pause, take a step back and realise just how much progress and growth I had made during my apprenticeship."
How do you think your Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification will help in your job with the children?
"I believe my qualification will help me to better support the families I work with, particularly those with vulnerabilities or additional needs. It's given me the knowledge I needed to carry out more meaningful planning and also how to help the children with understanding and regulating their emotions."
What's your favourite part about working with children, and has your apprenticeship changed the way you do it?
"My favourite part of this job are those small but meaningful moments when you realise the trust between you and a child has really solidified. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a real difference in their day. My apprenticeship has helped me with recognising those moments as they happen and how to be most present in them."
Which skills or knowledge from your apprenticeship do you use most now?
"I find myself most often leaning on what I've learned about Special Educational Needs SEN and supporting children with their emotions. Every child is different, so I use the tools from my apprenticeship as a starting point and then adapt them to suit each individual."
If you could give yourself advice at the start of your apprenticeship, what would it be?
"I think the main advice I'd give myself is that making mistakes is okay, and it's from these mistakes that I'm able to grow. I used to struggle with taking feedback to heart, but now I understand that if people do provide constructive feedback it's actually because they want to help me develop and become my best self."
How has your apprenticeship helped you grow as a person, not just at work?
"My apprenticeship has encouraged a lot of self-reflection, which has helped me mature and become more confident in my decision-making. I’ve also learned to manage my anxiety more effectively. By setting small, achievable goals and challenging myself daily, I’ve gained a sense of control and resilience that I carry with me in all areas of my life."
What's next for you now you're qualified?
"Now I am a fully qualified Level 3 Early Years educator, I am hoping to move forward with growing my expertise in the SEN sector. I have recently been promoted to Room Leader, so I'm currently really focused on that and in particular creating learning environments that my children can really thrive in. But in the future, I definitely want to work towards becoming SENDCO of the nursery."
And finally... what's one piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting out in an Early Years career?
"Don't be scared to ask for help! You might just be surprised who is willing to support and help you grow, and this will only better your life in the long term.
Interested in starting your own early years apprenticeship journey?
Discover Apprenticeships at Kindred