Local Outcome 2: Parental Employment Programme has helped change lives in East Dunbartonshire
Our people are equipped with knowledge and skills for learning, life and work.
East Dunbartonshire Council’s Working for Parents Programme provides a range of employability support to low-income parents living in East Dunbartonshire. The Parental Employment Programme (PEP) is one package of support offered through the Working for Parents programme and is funded by the Scottish Government’s No one Left Behind Tackling Child Poverty Grant.
During 2025/26, across East Dunbartonshire 26 parents signed up to the PEP and received six months’ work experience, paid at the Living Wage. The trainees also took part in various training and accredited qualifications and were offered benefits and money advice. On completion, all participants went onto secure permanent employment, Council supply list employment with one choosing to take up a volunteering role.
A local mum, Jessica* was among the first to complete the PEP trainee role in Early Years and undertook various training courses and accredited qualifications relevant to her role whilst working as an Early Years Worker. She was also supported by her PEP Key Worker to apply for jobs and improve her interview skills when her training came to an end. Jessica successfully completed the programme and secured a permanent role as an Early Years Assistant. She went on to complete the SVQ3 Social Services (Children and Young People) qualification to become a qualified Early Years Practitioner.
Jessica said, “As a stay-at-home mum for nearly a decade, I felt really daunted by getting back into work and starting a new profession. I think this programme really fills the gap for people in a similar position to myself.
“I’m so glad that I did this role as I have built up so much confidence and felt so encouraged that I had skills to offer that could really help in Early Years specifically, but also just in doing a job in general.
I feel a new sense of pride in myself that I didn’t have before, so it’s been a life changing experience for me and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to do it.
Chief Education Officer, Greg Bremner, “Returning to work after a period of absence can be extremely challenging, with potential employers seeking candidates with work experience and skills that applicants may not have. The PEP provides parents with the support to gain not only the necessary experience but also support in job seeking, application processes and interview skills.
“Feedback from PEP participants has been very positive, with participants going on to find permanent employment or further their education to meet their careers goals. For many, like Jessica, it has been the first step on the ladder to a rewarding career.”
Notes
* Name has been changed.