Four of the Council’s Modern Apprentices have been promoting a career in Early Learning and Childcare to secondary school pupils as part of a huge and exciting recruitment campaign.
Hannah, Joshua, Michael and Rachel joined other Early Years ambassadors and professionals at an event in Kirkintilloch High School to speak to senior pupils from all across East Dunbartonshire about careers in Early Learning & Childcare.
The Scottish Government’s commitment to expand Early Learning and Childcare by 2020 will see the increase of funded hours of entitlement from the current 600 hours to 1140 hours per year by August 2020 for all three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds.
To support this transformational expansion, up to 11,000 additional early years professionals will be required across Scotland. Opportunities across both local authority and funded provider centres will include modern apprentices, support workers, and early years practitioners as well as management roles. Early learning and childcare has a clear career pathway and opportunities to study to degree and master level.
The four Early Years Modern Apprentices were delighted to get the opportunity to speak to pupils and give them a real understanding of their apprenticeship, what it’s like day to day and why it makes such a rewarding career choice.
Josh Brown, 18 from Milngavie and currently a 1st year apprentice at Baljaffray Nursery said, “I am loving my apprenticeship in early years. Every day is different in the nursery and it’s so rewarding seeing the children learning through play. Getting feedback from them, staff and parents is really motivating and makes me sure I’ve made the right decision to pursue a career in early years."
Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Andrew Polson added, “This expansion of early years provision will open doors for many young people and it’s a real opportunity to support more men into the sector. It is great to see Josh and Michael becoming role models for others looking to follow suit.”
Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Vaughan Moody, said, “It is very encouraging that our Early Years Modern Apprentices are getting so much out of their career choice that they are actively promoting it to others. Their insight and experience will have been invaluable to pupils considering an apprenticeship in Early Years.”
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