Step into Childcare / Step into Adult Care

Step into Childcare / Step into Adult Care

Our Skills Development Scotland funded programme is designed to help you to 

• Build up your knowledge and practical experience of caring for adults or children
• Gain confidence and employability skills
• Find employment in social care or childcare

NEXT COURSE:  Start any time – Apply Now

About the Programmes

How long does the programme last?

• 13 – 26 weeks depending on how quickly you build up your skills

Where and when does the training take place?

• Monday to Friday, 30 hours per week
• Placement 4 days per week (you may be asked to work early or back shifts at certain placements but this will be agreed with you beforehand)
• Tutorial 1 day per week (Wednesday 9.30am – 12.30pm)

What will I do on placement?

• You will work with your chosen client group: either with children in nurseries, playgroups and afterschool clubs; or with older people and people with additional needs in care homes, daycare centres and community care
• You will find out what is involved in carrying out a care support worker or childcare practitioner job and have the chance to do real hands on work assisting in, e.g., child development and personal care
• You will work towards achieving the SQA “Practical Workplace Skills” unit

What will I do on tutorial days?

• You will develop your knowledge and understanding of care theory and practice and receive employability training
• You will work towards achieving units from the “Certificate of Work Readiness”
• You will receive certificated training in First Aid, Moving and Handling and Practical Workplace Skills

How will I be supported?

• Your course tutor will work closely with you throughout the programme and give you the support you need
• Your work placement will allocate a member of staff to work with you and support you

Do I get any financial support?

You will receive a training allowance of £55 per week plus weekly travel costs after the first £3 (if you are a DWP client you will continue to receive your benefits instead of the training allowance)

How many people will be in my group?

• 16 students maximum

What will I do after the course?

• Our aim is to help you find employment as a Modern Apprentice, with fully funded entry to our SQA approved qualifications in either Social Services Children and Young People SVQ Level 3 or Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Level 2. These qualifications are required to be a registered carer of children or adults in Scotland.

What do I need to get a place on the course?

• You must be aged 16 or over
• Selection for the programmes is by interview
• Show that you have a real interest in either childcare or care of adults
• A work experience placement, or voluntary work, or babysitting or family care to back up your interest would also be very helpful

When are courses available?

• The course runs 4 times a year, with intakes in February, June, September and November