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Building a more inclusive future for early years education

By teaming up with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs (MCTJ), we’re taking big steps toward gender inclusiveness in early childhood education.

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Together, Lifetime and Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs aim to change the landscape by giving male apprentices more opportunities through enhanced training and mentorship. This initiative not only supports them but also enriches the entire sector.

Our collaboration with MCTJ will bring new resources and support, making it easier for men to enter and thrive in early childhood education careers.

This partnership offers male apprentices valuable mentoring, training tailored to their needs, and a supportive community. MCTJ's expertise will help us create a richer learning environment that welcomes everyone.

"Teaming up with MCTJ opens doors to a future where early years education thrives with male role models.

"We’re here to smash stereotypes and show the real benefits of working in this field. We want to motivate more men to become educators. Our partnership will offer the support they need to change how people see this sector."

- Paul Ferguson, Operations Director at Lifetime Training

Features of our membership with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs for Apprentices

Access to CPD accredited gender inclusivity training, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities for men in early years education - promoting gender diversity and support for male educators.
A tailored mentoring programme that connects apprentices with experienced male mentors - offering guidance on professional development, mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth.
Webinars covering a range of early years topics, encouraging all staff to embrace and celebrate the contributions of men in early years education.
Exclusive access to the ‘MENtorEd’ app, offering a platform where male apprentices can connect with peers, share experiences, and discuss challenges in a supportive environment.
Invitations to events tailored for men in early years, providing networking, learning, and professional development opportunities.
Exclusive access to special giveaways and prize draws through the community forum.
Our six experienced mentors

Our partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs provides our male apprentices with a unique mentoring programme. Six experienced mentors offer guidance, using their extensive knowledge in early childhood education.

  • Jordan Tully
    A mentor for leaders and managers, is a seasoned early years professional. He specialises in operations, leadership, and management, and has helped nurseries grow and achieve outstanding Ofsted gradings. He also hosts a podcast series, ‘Exploring Early Years with Jordan Tully’.
  • Karl Eaveson
    A mentor for students, has been in the childcare sector for more than 14 years. He has a BA Hons degree in Early Years and a Post-16 PGCE in Teaching. Karl has worked in various roles, giving him a holistic perspective on childcare and early years education.
  • David Wright
    A mentor for fathers, is the former owner of Paint Pots Nurseries. With more than 30 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education, David has served in numerous roles, including as an advisor to the Department of Education.
  • Tobias Hammond
    A mentor for qualified practitioners, is a Qualified Teacher with a specialism in Early Years. He is passionate about supporting and training others to ensure every child achieves the best outcomes.
  • Rob Fox
    A mentor for neurodivergent practitioners, is an Executive Creative Director with a background in education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Anglia Ruskin University. Rob combines creativity with educational principles to create inclusive learning environments.
  • Daniel Hall
    A mentor for apprentices, has over a decade of experience in early childhood education. Starting as an apprentice, he has worked his way up to nursery manager, gaining a deep understanding of the field.

"At Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs, we believe that educating and supporting our current apprentices and learners is a fundamental step in shaping the future of early years education. By equipping today’s educators with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to challenge and overcome stereotypes of any kind, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and diverse sector."

- Claudio Sisera, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Males Childcare & Teaching Jobs

Claudio went on to say:

"Our commitment goes beyond just providing resources; we are dedicated to ensuring that our apprentices are well-prepared to lead with inclusivity and advocate for gender diversity in their careers. This approach not only empowers them to thrive in their roles but also plays a critical part in improving retention rates.

"We understand that by offering the right support and mentorship, we can significantly reduce early dropout rates, helping our educators stay the course and make a lasting impact in the early years sector. We are in this together, committed to combating the challenges that male educators face, and ensuring that every learner, regardless of gender, is supported on their journey to becoming confident, skilled, and resilient professionals who can truly make a difference.”

Want to know more about our programmes?

Programmes

We deliver more than 50 apprenticeship programmes across different functions and experience levels, helping our partners to create a competitive skills advantage and accelerate business growth.

Paul Ferguson, Operations Director at Lifetime
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Early years childcare and education, Early years childcare and education
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