As a Bangladeshi man, not only does Saief want to be an ambassador for BAME apprenticeships, but he also wants to challenge stereotypes of working in nurseries, where only 2% of the workforce are men.

Saief works at Rainbows Day Nursery in Manchester, where he has worked hard to support the children of key workers throughout the pandemic. He recently appeared on ITV when he became the first winner of the national outstanding contribution award to early years education.

Saief said: “If you enjoy practical learning then an apprenticeship is for you. It gives you so many opportunities to enhance your career. I have three words and live by them everyday: “go for it”. Remember you can do it, have belief in yourself.”

Congratulations Saief!