NVQ training-Pre-school work

lisa.m_3

Hello I was wondering for some advice,

My son is in school full time from next week, I have gone over all jobs I could do within school hours and nursery or pre-school work seems to come out on top.

Only thing is, is that I have not work in a nursery or pre-school before I have looked into collage for the level 1 course in childcare, the women at the collage told me I'd be better off arranging an NVQ-something I have to do myself according to her.

Well I don't know where to begin in this process, do I ring around preschools and ask if they will take me for training ? (will I get paid this way?)

Or is it worth a trip to the job centre to ask ?

Thanks very much.

viclspence

i don't have experience of this, but if you are currently under the care of the job centre, they will help you find a course and work, if you aren't then pay them a visit and they should still be able to help.

elsietanner71

Hi Lisa

A NVQ is an 'on the job' qualification which means you either have to be employed or be doing voluntary work in a childcare setting. The college may have suggested this to you so you can get practical experience of the working environment as well as doing a qualification at the same time. Do you mind if I ask how old you are? If you're between 16 and 19 you many be able to get on an Apprenticeship scheme so you would be paid while working and you'd get the qualification too.

If not a few hours voluntary work will allow you to sign up for a NVQ course and will mean you are well placed to apply for any paid jobs that come up in the place you are volunteering at, iyswim?

If I were you I'd call the Careers Advice Service free on 08080 100 333 and they can give you careers guidance, helping you to decide if childcare is for you or what other options you may have.

Good luck

PS Are you a lone parent? If so you could speak to the Lone Parent adviser at your local Jobcentre who may be able to help if you're receiving income support.

lisa.m_3

elsietanner71 wrote: »

Hi Lisa

A NVQ is an 'on the job' qualification which means you either have to be employed or be doing voluntary work in a childcare setting. The college may have suggested this to you so you can get practical experience of the working environment as well as doing a qualification at the same time. Do you mind if I ask how old you are? If you're between 16 and 19 you many be able to get on an Apprenticeship scheme so you would be paid while working and you'd get the qualification too.

If not a few hours voluntary work will allow you to sign up for a NVQ course and will mean you are well placed to apply for any paid jobs that come up in the place you are volunteering at, iyswim?

If I were you I'd call the Careers Advice Service free on 08080 100 333 and they can give you careers guidance, helping you to decide if childcare is for you or what other options you may have.

Good luck

PS Are you a lone parent? If so you could speak to the Lone Parent adviser at your local Jobcentre who may be able to help if you're receiving income support.

Hi and thanks for your post;)

I'm 24 and married I'm going to give the careers helpline a call tomorrow.

Do you think if I rang around a few preschools saying I am not qualified but obviously experienced having my own child-would help ?

Do they take on unqualified people ?

I think I'll give my sons old nursery a call on monday and ask too.

Thanks again.

elsietanner71

Do you think if I rang around a few preschools saying I am not qualified but obviously experienced having my own child-would help ?

Yes, having your own child is good experience but actual experience in a childcare setting is even better and owuld enhance your CV.

In theory, yes nurseries will take you on unqualified - after all the only way to do a NVQ is by actually doing the job - and this is certainly worth trying....but look at it from an employers point of view. As it stands you don't have 'on the job' experience so they may prefer to take on someone who has. Also, what if you start the job and find working in that environment isn't for you?

If you can't get a job where they will train you up and few hours voluntary is a great way to get a foot in the door and will enhance your CV. It also gives you a chance to try it out and see if it's the job for you.

Speaking of CVs, do you have one? Only you could send your CV and covering letter off to all the nurseries in your area. The Careers Advice Service can give you feedback on how to improve your CV (if you already have one) or you can find tips on creating one on their website. www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice Their help is government funded so it's all free!

Good luck

inmypocketnottheirs

How about registering as a Child Minder? Better earnings, better flexibility.