Start your Early Years career at Chiltern

Our traineeships are a one of a kind opportunity to work and train at our wonderful day nursery and earn while you learn on-site.

A place to learn, belong, and make a real difference.

Are you an energetic and enthusiastic individual with a passion for early years care and education?

Do you want somewhere that you can gain a qualification whilst gaining experience on the job?

Do you have either paid or voluntary experience working with young children e.g. Babysitting, work or placement in a nursery/school, volunteering with groups such as Brownies/Cubs, Dance Schools?

If you answered yes, then we are looking for people just like you to join our early years traineeship program!

Watch our video
Practitioner and young child playing at Chiltern Nursery.
Childcare trainees studying together at Chiltern NTC.

Our traineeships: at a glance

  • Work and train in one place
  • Paid traineeship
  • Regular training sessions and tutor/assessor support on-site
  • Entry requirement: GCSE English Language grade C/4 (or Level 2 Functional Skills)
Enquire now

Chiltern Nursery & Training College offers high quality training for qualified nursery staff and trainees alike; ensuring the delivery of the best possible care and education for children which is our number one priority.

As part of our strong commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, we expect all staff and applicants to provide satisfactory background checks, references and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Children and educator in outdoor play at Chiltern NTC, Reading.
Children engaging with water play equipment outdoors at Chiltern NTC.
Training at Chiltern has opened doors and given me the confidence and high standard of experience to explore other areas of childcare. I have always been made to feel like part of the team in each room and I am grateful for all the support I have had at Chiltern.
Amalia Abele
Trainee
Child and practitioner drawing with chalk on pavement at Chiltern NTC.

Well Established Reputation

We’re not your run of the mill college, our buildings, founding and history make us a truly unique training establishment.

Chiltern Nursery & Training College has trained students since 1931 from all over the world to care for and educate young children both as residential nannies and in more recent times as work-based early years practitioners.

We deliver NCFE accredited qualifications along with online training through the Virtual College platform

CNTC practitioner playing outdoors with a child.

Earn While You Learn

Whilst training with us you will be getting paid!

For a 40 hour week as standard, you can expect to earn a trainee rate of:

  • Trainee Aged 16-20 £22,568.00 p.a
  • Trainee Aged 21+ £26,436.80 p.a

April 2026 Traineeship rates of pay

Two trainees in a learning session at Chiltern NTC.

Training & Experience All Onsite

Our training facilities have grown and expanded over the years but have always been a combination of tutorial style and self-learning with hands-on experience in our nursery.

You will have regular training sessions in our on-site college and receive regular support and access to your on-site tutor/assessor. You will have access to your e-portfolio at all times from any device.

Children and nursery staff engage in outdoor play under a blue canopy at Chiltern Nursery & Training College, with a red-brick building in the background, showcasing early years care and hands-on childcare learning in a vibrant day nursery environment.

Entry Requirements

To join the Early Years traineeship, you’ll need:

  • GCSE English Language grade C/4, or
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English

If you’re currently working towards these, get in touch, we’re happy to advise.

Staff member interacting with a child outdoors, both smiling in a playful moment.

I love Chiltern because the management here is amazing. They're very supportive.”
Shikha
Nursery Assistant (Currently a trainee)
A male staff member wearing a maroon Chiltern Nursery & Training College polo shirt gestures while seated in a relaxed indoor setting, reflecting on his experience in childcare and early years care at the day nursery.

It's good to see that everything we do slowly builds up to make them their own little person.”
Nathan
Room Leader
A young woman in a maroon Chiltern Nursery & Training College polo shirt sits on a brown leather chair, speaking in a calm indoor setting with a green wall and houseplant nearby, representing professional training in childcare and early years care at a day nursery.

As soon as I did my trial day here, I just knew that this was the one that I wanted to go for.”
Amelie
Trainee (Qualified in 2025)
Close-up of a smiling staff member speaking while seated on a sofa in a relaxed setting.

For me, this is the best place. I really enjoy working here, it's like a second home.”
Reshma
Nursery Assistant
Staff member showing a young child how to plant in the garden, with another child observing.

Definitely the outside space, that's what brought me to Chiltern.”
Debbie
Room Leader
A smiling staff member in a maroon Chiltern Nursery & Training College polo shirt sits comfortably on a brown leather sofa beside a spider plant, representing a positive team atmosphere in early years care and childcare training.

This has been one of the best experiences of my life.”
Milly
Trainee (Qualified in 2024)

    Take your next step

    If you’d like more information about traineeships at Chiltern Nursery & Training College, please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
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