Written question WQ92163

The Welsh Government’s ambition to develop a skilled childcare and play workforce that is regarded as a career of choice, is set out in our 10-year Childcare, Play and Early Years workforce plan.

Social Care Wales receives funding from Welsh Government to undertake work specifically focused on supporting attraction and recruitment into the sector. This includes dedicated childcare and playwork recruitment campaigns and a jobs portal.

As part of this funding, Social Care Wales also deliver the free Introduction to Childcare course which provides an overview of working in the sector, offering an insight into career options and encouraging people to consider a career in the sector. WeCare Wales Ambassadors attend courses and work across Wales to raise the profile of working in childcare and help educate people about the different career options and progression opportunities available.

From January 2024, the Introduction to Childcare course has also been taken into schools and is aimed at those young people making decisions on their careers. It is anticipated that the course will reach over 300 young people between January and March 2024.

In addition, the Welsh Government has also developed our Training and Support Programme to support the childcare and playwork sector to access key qualification and training opportunities to work effectively in the sector.

Our aim with this work is to encourage people with the right skills and behaviours into the sector and to ensure they are informed of career opportunities and qualification pathways.