05/07/04 - Extra help to make childcare a career of the future

Cumbria Sure Start is delighted to announce a second series of the highly successful Making Choices courses, to be run throughout the County. These courses aim to encourage more people to consider a career in childcare so that recruitment into the childcare sector can continue to meet the growing demand for childcare from parents in the county.   

The first course will be held at Kendal College from 8th – 13th July.    

The FREE ‘Making Choices’ courses give those interested lots of information on all the career options and the training and qualifications on offer. Courses are held in local and convenient venues across Cumbria and the hours fit around the school run! Those attending will also be able to visit local childcare providers to see for themselves what it’s like to work in the sector. Crèche facilities will be available for those who need it.   

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says, 

"Childcare is expanding rapidly as a result of the Government’s National Childcare Strategy. It is currently the second fastest growing work sector in the country. Now more and more childcare specialists are needed to work in this challenging and rewarding area. Cumbria Sure Start develops innovative and practical ways of raising local awareness and supporting people through the process of considering working within the childcare sector. These courses aim to provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages, qualified and unqualified, to consider becoming a paid worker or even a volunteer in any aspect of working with children in childcare settings."   

Gill Wadeson, Training and Personnel Administrator for Cumbria Surestart says,   

"Over 100 people attended the first series of Making Choices courses held in the winter and spring and some courses are already booking up in this next series. Many of the people who have been through the course have now started additional training and doing voluntary work to help them get into a childcare career. We particularly welcome people on the course from under-represented groups in the industry such as older people, men, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minorities who are under-represented in the Childcare industry. "   

Contact Cumbria Children’s Information Service on 08457 125 737 for more information or to book a place on a Making Choices Course.