170 new childcare apprenticeships

An extra 170 childcare apprenticeships are to be created for young people aged 16 to 19, the Scottish Government has announced.

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the move would help the economic recovery.

The apprenticeships are part of a £16m funding package announced in this year’s budget for the recruitment of 7800 new apprentices.

Ms Hyslop said yesterday: “By ensuring support is in place at the first opportunity we can give every young person the chance to reach their potential.

“Developing the skills and career opportunities of those delivering early years services is key to helping us achieve that goal, and will also help support Scotland’s economy out of recession and back to economic growth. These apprenticeships will not only help young people into rewarding childcare careers, but will support the expansion of the sector.”

The additional apprenticeships will help deliver increasing pre-school entitlement and allow more parents to go back to work, according to Ms Hyslop.

The announcement was the latest stage of the government’s ScotAction package aimed at helping businesses and individuals through the recession.

Carole Wilkinson, chief executive at Scottish Social Services Council, said the sector had a “growing workforce” that contributed to the development and learning of thousands of children.

She said “It is crucial that they have the skills for a rewarding and demanding career in early years.”