New programme will support Londoners to develop the skills and qualifications needed to build careers in Early Years.
AKG Learning has been selected by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to deliver fully funded Early Years training through the new London Talent Pathways programme.
London Talent Pathways has been created to help people access vocational training, develop new skills and move towards priority jobs within the capital’s key sectors. It forms part of the Mayor of London’s Inclusive Talent Strategy, which aims to build a skills system that responds more effectively to employers’ needs while opening up opportunities for Londoners who face barriers to employment and progression
Through the programme, AKG Learning will support unemployed people who want to take their first steps towards a career in childcare, alongside people already working in Early Years settings who want to strengthen their knowledge, gain recognised qualifications and progress professionally.
The programme comes at an important time for the capital’s childcare sector. A London Assembly investigation found that Early Years providers in London are experiencing significant recruitment and retention pressures. It also highlighted that these challenges can be more acute in the capital because providers face higher wage, rent and operating costs. (London City Hall)
Nationally, the Department for Education estimated that there were 53,600 Early Years providers in England in 2025, including group-based providers, school-based provision and registered childminders. The figures underline the size and importance of the sector, as well as the continuing need to recruit, train and retain skilled professionals. (Explore Education Statistics)
A spokesperson for the Greater London Authority said:
“London Talent Pathways is about connecting Londoners with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, while helping employers build the talented workforces required for the future. Early Years professionals make an enormously important contribution to children, families and London’s wider economy. We are proud to work with training providers such as AKG Learning to make high-quality, accessible training available to more people across the capital.”
AKG Learning brings established experience in delivering Early Years apprenticeships, diplomas and workforce-development programmes. Its wider Early Years offer supports people entering the profession as well as experienced employees looking to progress.
Under London Talent Pathways, this training will include introductory, face-to-face programmes for unemployed learners and flexible online qualifications for those already employed in the sector.
Courses will include the Level 1 Award in Occupational Studies for the Workplace, the Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People, and qualifications covering autism, children and young people’s mental health, and behaviour that challenges. Eligible employed learners will also be able to complete the Level 3 Technical Early Years Educator Diploma, combining online learning with practical experience in the workplace. The programme materials confirm that the available training ranges from short one and two-week introductory courses to a 12-month Level 3 diploma.
Steve Mitchell, Operations Director at AKG Learning, said:
“We are proud to have been selected to deliver London Talent Pathways and to work alongside the Greater London Authority to support the Early Years sector. Skilled and confident practitioners are fundamental to providing high-quality childcare, but employers continue to face real challenges in recruiting and developing their teams.
“This programme will help people enter the sector, gain recognised qualifications and build sustainable careers, while giving Early Years employers access to the skills and talent they need. It is a natural extension of our established work with childcare settings and our commitment to providing practical, supportive training that creates lasting opportunities.”
Eligible learners will receive fully funded training, recognised qualifications and support from experienced tutors. Courses have been designed to offer practical routes into employment and progression, while giving nurseries and childcare organisations greater opportunities to develop their existing teams.
Further information about the programme, eligibility and available courses will be published on the AKG Learning website.
You can contact our friendly team here to learn more.
