Careers in early learning and childcare

Many more staff will be needed in childcare beyond 2020. This is to meet the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase funded early learning from 600 hours a year to 1,140 by 2020 for 3 and 4 year-olds and some 2 year-olds.

How to get a qualification in Midlothian

Careers for men in childcare

Men in Childcare is a charity offering support, including financial help, to encourage men to take up careers in childcare.

This video features Keith Lorimer, Childcare development worker at Mauricewood Primary. Keith was helped by Men in Childcare.

Modern Apprenticeship (MA)

  • We will be recruiting Modern Apprentices in Early Learning & Childcare at SVQ3. The jobs will be advertised on MyJobScotland.
  • MAs with other organisations, including private nurseries, are advertised on Skills Development Scotland’s My World of Work.

Work experience

We will be offering work experience placements in our nurseries to school leavers. They will be advertised on The Guarantee which helps you find a job, work placement or further education course.

Become a childminder

Early level courses for parents and carers

Our Lifelong Learning and Employability (LLE) team runs courses for parents and carers that could lead into a career in early learning and childcare.

Peep - Learning Together Programme

Peep is free, one hour weekly groups for parents and carers and their children, from pre-birth to 5 years.

Some groups offer parents/carers the chance to gain a qualification for their role in helping their children’s learning. This is an informal, 12 week course which parents/carers attend with their child. It can lead to a Scottish Qualifications Authority National 3, 4 or 5 qualification.