What is the course about?
The Childcare Work Academy is an intensive programme designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to take your next step into employment in the childcare sector. You will gain an introduction to working with children, develop your understanding of the sector and achieve a recognised Level 1 Award in Caring for Children. The programme combines sector-specific training with dedicated employability support to help you move towards work. The programme includes two weeks of full-time training, followed by eight weeks of employability support to help you prepare for and secure employment.
Please note: enrolment on this Work Academy requires a referral from Jobcentre Plus. You are welcome to submit an application, but a place cannot be confirmed until your eligibility has been checked and a valid referral has been received. If you do not already have a referral, we'll contact you with information about the next steps.
The course includes a Level 1 Award in Caring for Children and is suitable for people looking to develop their skills and start or progress towards a career in childcare. You do not need previous childcare experience or qualifications. However, you must:Be aged 19 or overBe unemployed or economically inactiveBe able to attend the full two-week programmeHave a good level of spoken and written EnglishHave some basic digital skillsBe eligible to work in EnglandBe a London residentYou should be motivated to learn, develop your confidence and take positive steps towards employment. The Work Academy is designed for adults who are ready for intensive full-time training and want to improve their employment prospects.
The course provides an introduction to childcare and caring for children, helping you build knowledge and skills relevant to working in the sector. You will study towards the Level 1 Award in Caring for Children, alongside developing your employability skills.As part of the wider Work Academy programme, you will also receive support with:CV developmentJob applicationsInterview preparationJob searchingCareer planningDeveloping your confidence and readiness for work
The programme is delivered as intensive, full-time training, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm for two weeks. You will learn with experienced tutors and receive dedicated support from employability coaches. You will work towards the Level 1 Award in Caring for Children and complete the assessment requirements for the qualification. Your tutor will explain the specific assessment activities and requirements at the start of the course. Full attendance is required throughout the two-week training programme.
There are no costs and no equipment you need to purchase for this programme however a pen and paper and notebook may be useful.
By the end of the programme, you should have:Gained a Level 1 Award in Caring for ChildrenDeveloped your understanding of the childcare sectorIncreased your confidence and readiness for employmentDeveloped practical employability skillsImproved your CV and job application skillsDeveloped your interview skillsBuilt your ability to search and apply for suitable jobsIdentified your next steps towards employmentYou will also receive eight weeks of ongoing employability support, giving you continued guidance as you move towards work.
The main progression route following the Childcare Work Academy is into employment. After completing the course, you will receive up to eight weeks of regular employability coaching to support you with job searching, applications, interviews and career planning.The programme is designed to help you take practical steps towards securing work in the childcare sector, whether you are starting a new career, returning to work or building your confidence and skills for employment.
