Written question WQ88514

The Welsh Government have funded Social Care Wales to provide a rolling Introduction to Childcare course. This two day virtual course offers participants an insight into childcare, providing a ‘taster’ for those considering working in the sector.

The two day course, offered in English or Welsh, outlines the skills and knowledge required to work in childcare as well as showcasing the roles and responsibilities of childcare workers. The course also promotes the range of areas that childcare workers can be employed in, with expert speakers sharing their experiences with participants.

The pilot is still underway and the courses are running on a rolling programme, with nine courses delivered to date. 106 participants have competed the course with 93% of those indicating an interest in childcare as a career. Once completed participants can be supported to take their next steps into childcare via employment or training.

Social Care Wales are working with other key partners, such as Careers Wales, local authorities, employers and colleges to support participants to find placement opportunities and interviews with local employers or routes into training following completion of the course.

Social Care Wales have also delivered the course for under-represented groups, working with the African Community Centre in Swansea. From the autumn, Social Care Wales will be delivering the Intro to Childcare courses in schools with young people approaching their GCSE’s to promote childcare as a career.