The number of childcare vacancies is rising as a new government program offers help to working parents

PLANS to expand free childcare mean thousands of new nursery staff are urgently needed.

Currently, all three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week – rising to 30 hours for working families.

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From April, working parents of two-year-olds will also have access to 15 hours of free childcare.

More than 102,000 young people under the age of two are already registered.

Think tank Nesta estimates that around 27,500 additional young professionals will be needed to meet rising demand.

But eight in 10 local authorities describe recruiting early years staff as “very difficult”, which is why the government has launched a recruitment drive this month.

Do Something Big, which is being trialled in 20 local authorities, aims to encourage people to take up a career working with young children.

It focuses on new interns who want to work in daycare centers, kindergartens, school-wide care and as a childminder.

Up to 3,000 of the new employees will also receive a tax-free financial incentive of £1,000 after three months of employment under the scheme.

The sector employs around 347,000 people, with many nurseries expanding their range of apprenticeships.

Training provider Realize has committed to offering 10,000 newly qualified apprentices to UK nurseries over the next five years.

See tinyurl.com/s42sd35p.

Tree nursery chain Busy Bees has 300 internship positions available this year.

See busybeestraining.co. nl or contact your local branch.

Valuable job National chain Bright Horizons has 300 places.

For more information, please email jointheteam@brighthorizons.com.

Clare Roberts, CEO of Kids Planet nurseries, said: “Many parents already realize how wonderful early years and childcare professionals are, but it's time everyone else did too.

“It is also time that the sector receives the recognition and importance it deserves in the valuable work it does to shape future generations.”

For more information about the government's recruitment campaign, see earlyyearscareers.campaign.gov.uk.

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CHILD CARE student Ricco Franic cares for children before and after their school day, also known as 'wraparound' care.

The 23-year-old Londoner studies with the Junior Adventures Group to involve children from different backgrounds in the world of sports.

Ricco says: “Working with children is an incredible experience – guiding them and witnessing their transformation from shyness to openness. It is crucial to invest time with them.

“Childcare is not just a job, it is about creating a positive impact on these children.

“It's all about pushing the boundaries of the imagination and coming up with exciting activities to engage them.”

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Love for your struggle

LOOKING for your perfect job match?

This Valentine's week, Charlotte Turner, Chief Growth Officer at recruitment company The Portfolio Group, explains why you should treat interviews like dating.

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• Speed ​​dating mentality: Singletons generally have four minutes to make an impression on speed dating. Look at a job interview the same way. First impressions count.
• Is there long-term potential? Knowing your priorities can help you determine if a job is right for you. Identify your non-negotiables and how to spot red flags. No one wants a toxic relationship.
• Don't get caught: Just like dating profiles, online job postings and company websites will always project the image a company wants. Ask questions to help you dive beneath the surface and gain deeper insight into the role.
• Dress to impress: Smart, business attire is the right choice for job interviews.
• Watch your language: Slang, swearing, or making inappropriate jokes can be perceived as unprofessional. Also avoid oversharing – there's no need to spread the dirt on former jobs.
• Swipe right for more matches: Finding the ideal job is difficult. Keep your options open by making sure you're using all apps and signed up with the right recruitment agencies.
• Trust your feelings: The excitement you feel when you meet a good match is like no other. Remember, if you don't succeed this time, there are many more fish in the sea.

Win a package of €5,000

ARE you a top intern?

Trade insurer Markel Direct has launched a competition to find Britain's top apprentice, celebrating the excellent work and vital role new recruits bring to the sector.

The winner will win a package worth up to £5,000.

It includes a Festool toolbox and accessories worth £4,000, £750 to spend on TuffStuff workwear and a year's worth of 24-hour tool cover from Markel Direct.

Spokesman Rob Rees said: “In light of the skills crisis in the UK trading sector, it is vital that we highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the vital role they will play in driving the sector forward in the coming years.”

Register before February 23 at markel uk.com/apprentice/nominate-an-pupil.

Top class skills

Do you want to further train yourself in your career? Then go to Specsavers.

The eye care chain works with training company Pearson to provide tailor-made courses for thousands of employees.

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Employees can study for a BTEC Level 3 certificate for Optometric Clinical Assistant and Dispensing Assistant, boosting their career and CV.

Jodie Glanville from Specsavers' Plymouth practice was the first person to complete the new qualification.

She said: “I use the knowledge I have gained from completing Certificate 3 in my work every day – it gives me more confidence in my role. I received a lot of support from my manager and also from other colleagues.”

Find vacancies at Specsavers at join.specsavers.com/uk.