Belfast Met Launches Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare
Belfast Metropolitan College is offering a unique opportunity for individuals looking to kickstart their career in the Early Learning and Childcare sector. The new Assured Skills Academy, in collaboration with four local childcare providers, guarantees job interviews for successful participants after completing a twelve-week training program.
Paid Training Program
Participants in the Assured Skills Academy will receive a weekly training allowance of £87.50 for the first four weeks and £175 from week five onwards. Additionally, the program offers assistance with travel and childcare costs, making it accessible for individuals from various backgrounds to pursue a career in childcare.
The training program, delivered by Belfast Met at their Castlereagh Campus, covers accredited modules in safeguarding, first aid, food hygiene, manual handling, digital documentation training, and practical childcare sessions. Participants will also have the opportunity for supervised engagement with children, gaining hands-on experience in a real childcare setting.
Industry Collaboration
The Assured Skills Academy is a result of collaboration between Belfast Met and four local childcare providers: Adventures Day Nursery, Wee Care Day Nursery, Neddy Teddy’s Day Nursery, and Sleepy Hollow Nursery. By working closely with these employers, the training program has been tailored to address specific skills gaps in the childcare sector, ensuring that participants gain the necessary skills and experience to excel in their roles.
Employability and Career Pathways
Stephanie Gray, Belfast Met Curriculum Area Manager, highlights the importance of gaining practical experience with real employers to build confidence and thrive in the childcare field. The Academy aims to boost participants’ employability by providing accredited training in essential areas such as food safety, manual handling, and paediatric first aid.
Rachel Burns, Belfast Met Business Development Manager, emphasizes the employer-led nature of the program, designed to provide participants with the exact skills employers are looking for. By immersing trainees in real work environments and offering job interviews, the Academy ensures a direct pathway into a successful career in childcare.
Support for Women Returners
Damian Duffy, Belfast Met Interim Principal and Chief Executive, acknowledges the importance of providing inclusive pathways into childcare for women returners. The program aims to support individuals with life skills and experience, offering them the opportunity to explore the many employment opportunities available in the childcare sector.
Application Process and Timeline
The deadline for applications for the Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare is 4th October, with the program commencing on 11th November. Job interviews will take place at the end of the twelve-week course in February. Interested individuals can find more information and apply on nidirect.gov.uk.
Conclusion
The Assured Skills Academy in Early Learning and Childcare offered by Belfast Met presents a unique opportunity for individuals to receive paid training and guaranteed job interviews in the childcare sector. By collaborating with local employers, the program ensures that participants gain the necessary skills and experience to excel in their roles. With a focus on inclusivity and providing pathways for women returners, the Academy aims to support individuals in pursuing a rewarding career in childcare. Apply now to kickstart your career in Early Learning and Childcare with Belfast Met.