Men into Childcare North Lanarkshire
Summary Details
This programme aims to encourage men to work in childcare roles by engaging with secondary pupils, school leavers, and unemployed older men. Funded by the European Social Fund.
Target Group
School pupils, school leavers and older men (50+).
Approach
A full time coordinator was employed and information was disseminated across the local authority. Initially a pack was sent to school guidance teachers, but as this did not elicit much of a response a shift was made to awareness raising and marketing.
17 nursery centres working with the most vulnerable children in the area were identified to work with. Many children had no major male figures in their lives and showed high level curiosity about any man they came into contact with.
Outcomes
Work with education department had limited success, positive awareness raising of childcare as a career for men did take place in schools, but the course take up as a result of this was poor. Feedback from a DVD depicting childcare as a career for men was mixed.
A male skill seekers programme for school leavers was introduced in 2007. Interest was high but sign up was low. Of the 8 who began the course, 2 completed it. They had both had positive experiences with their own parents and good skills.
Strengths
There was strong take up from older unemployed men, and this programme is still running. It has faced certain barriers such as childcare providers being unwilling to employ men. While the course does not prepare men to go straight into childcare roles it lays the foundations, and the skills learned can be used elsewhere – for example as a parent or grandparent.
Three radio recruitment campaigns, which were very successful – very powerful, emotive medium.
Further details
Annette Reid
Workforce Development Manager and Training Officer
North Lanarkshire Council
Municipal Buildings
Kildonan Street
Coatbridge
ML5 3BT
Telephone: 01236 812726
Email: ReidAn@northlan.gov.uk
