An eight-week training course to fast-track new early years workers has been launched.

SS&L's fully-funded Skills Bootcamp in Early Years is available to residents in Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire from November 13.

The course is aimed at those wanting a quick route into the childcare sector.

The predominantly online course will come at no cost to eligible applicants, who will also spend one day per week in a local early years setting.

It covers several key topics essential for working with children, including safeguarding, child development, paediatric first aid, and education.

At the end of the programme, all learners will be given a guaranteed job interview at their respective placement setting.

Sara Fennelly, early years academy manager at SS&L, said: "We have a really high demand for early years practitioners across Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire.

"This bootcamp will really support recruitment, and secures you an interview at the end to help you potentially work in an early years environment.

"We’re always trying to attract new people into the industry – it really is such a rewarding career to be in."

Rebecca Turner, an early years practitioner at SS&L’s chain of nurseries, Little Discoveries Childcare Ltd, explained how she could have benefited from a Skills Bootcamp when making the "scary decision" to change her career path.

She said: "If there was a bootcamp that I could’ve gone to, I definitely would’ve, because if it wasn’t for me, it’s nothing too permanent and I would’ve had the chance to walk away."

The deadline to apply is January 14, 2025.