Childcare vacancies surge as new Government scheme offers help for working parents

PLANS to expand free childcare mean thousands of new nursery staff are urgently needed.

Currently all three and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free childcare a week — rising to 30 hours for working families.

From April working parents of two-year-olds will also be able to access 15 hours of free childcare.

More than 102,000 under-twos have already been registered.

Think tank Nesta estimates around 27,500 extra early-years professionals will be needed to meet the rise in demand.

But eight in ten local authorities describe the recruitment of early years staff as being “very difficult”, so this month the Government has launched a recruitment drive.

Do Something Big, which is being trialled in 20 local authorities, aims to encourage people into a career working with small children.

It is focusing on new trainees to work in nurseries, pre-schools, school wraparound care and as childminders.

Up to 3,000 of the hires will also receive a £1,000 tax-free cash incentive after three months in the job under the scheme.

Around 347,000 people work in the sector, with many nurseries stepping up the number of apprenticeships on offer.

Training provider Realise has committed to offering 10,000 newly qualified apprentices to UK nurseries over the next five years.

See tinyurl.com/s42sd35p.

The Busy Bees nursery chain has 300 apprenticeships available this year.

See busybeestraining.co. uk or contact your local branch.

Valuable job National chain Bright Horizons has 300 places.

For details email jointheteam@brighthorizons.com.

Clare Roberts, CEO of Kids Planet nurseries, said: “Many ­parents already recognise how amazing early years and ­child­care professionals are, but it’s time that everyone else does too.

“It’s also time the sector is given the recognition and importance it deserves in the valuable job it does to shape future ­generations.”

For more informatoin about the Government recruitment drive see earlyyearscareers.campaign.gov.uk.

CHILDCARE apprentice Ricco Franic cares for children before and after their school day – known as “wraparound” care.

The 23-year-old Londoner is studying with the Junior Adventures Group to engage kids from diverse backgrounds with the world of sport.

Ricco says: “Working with kids is an incredible experience – guiding them, witnessing their transformation from shyness to openness. It’s crucial to invest time with them.

“Childcare is not just a job, it’s about creating positive impacts with these children.

“It’s all about pushing the boundaries of imagination and coming up with exciting activities to engage them.”

Love of your strife

LOOKING for your perfect job match?

This Valentine’s Day week, Charlotte Turner, chief growth officer at recruitment company The Portfolio Group, explains why you should treat interviews like dating.

• Speed-date mindset: Singletons generally have four minutes to impress on speed dates. Look at a job interview the same way. First impressions count.
• Is there long-term potential? Knowing your priorities will help you identify if a job is right for you. Identify your non-negotiables and how to spot red flags. Nobody wants a toxic relationship.
• Don’t get catfished: Like dating profiles, online job ads and company websites will always portray the image a firm wants. Set questions to help you dive below the surface and get deeper insight into the role.
• Dress to impress: Smart, business wear is the way to go at interview.
• Watch your language: Slang, swearing or making inappropriate jokes can be seen as unprofessional. Avoid oversharing too – no need to dish the dirt about former jobs.
• Swipe right for more matches: Finding the ideal job is hard. Keep your options open by ensuring you are on all the apps and signed up with the right recruitment agencies.
• Trust your gut: The excitement you feel when you meet a good match is like no other. Remember – if you’re unsuccessful this time, there are plenty more fish in the sea.

Win £5k package

ARE you a top trainee?

Trades Insurer Markel Direct has launched a competition to find the UK’s A-star apprentice, ­celebrating the outstanding work and vital role new recruits offer the ­industry.

The winner will scoop a package worth up to £5,000.

It features a Festool toolkit and accessories worth £4,000, £750 to spend on TuffStuff workwear and 24-hour tools cover for a year from Markel Direct.

Spokesman Rob Rees said: “In light of the skills crisis in the UK trades sector, it’s crucial we highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the pivotal role they’ll play in moving the industry forward in the coming years”.

Enter by February 23 at ­markel uk.com/apprentice/nominate-an- apprentice.

Top-spec skills

LOOKING to upskill in your career? Then go to Specsavers.

The eyecare chain has partnered with learning firm Pearson to provide tailored courses for thousands of staff.

Employees can study for a BTEC Level 3 Certificate for Optometric Clinical Assistant and Dispensing Assistant, boosting their career and CV.

Jodie Glanville from Spec­savers’ Plymouth practice was the first person to complete the new qualification.

She said: “I use the knowledge I gained completing the Certificate 3 every day in my job – it makes me more confident in my role. I got lots of support from my supervisor and other colleagues too.”

Find Specsavers jobs at join.specsavers.com/uk.