Through Career Start, job seekers who want to make a positive difference to young people can qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker. Ruby jumped at the chance for the practical learning experience while earning a wage.

Ruby now works in one of our therapeutic residential houses, creating safe and nurturing routines for care-experienced young children while supporting their emotional development.

Ruby reflects on her life before Career Start: “I’m from the Inverclyde area and always knew I wanted to work with young people. Before becoming a trainee, I worked in hospitality, pharmacy and sales – but supporting children who’ve experienced trauma was always my end goal.”

The training has been life-changing for Ruby too: “It’s so important for every young person to have an adult they feel safe with and Career Start gave me the opportunity to be that grown-up for someone.”

Playing an important role in the lives of young people is something Ruby finds truly fulfilling: “There’s no fixed routine in this job – every day is different, and I love that. The relationships you build with the young people are amazing. Communication, critical thinking and problem-solving are all key skills I’ve developed and continue to grow in this role.”

Ruby is now encouraging others to take the leap and apply: “If you’re even thinking about applying – do it. It’s an incredible opportunity. You learn so much in just one year, and it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.”

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start gives young people an opportunity to earn while training as a Child and Youth Care Worker. This caught the attention of university graduate Allanah.

After graduating from university with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Allanah initially considered a career in teaching – but a friend’s recommendation led her to apply for the 12-month, paid traineeship at 91���� instead.

Allanah explains why she decided to apply to Career Start: “I’m from the Renfrewshire area and have always wanted a job that felt meaningful and rewarding. Having worked in retail since I was 16 and spending time teaching English abroad, I knew I wanted to support young people in a more hands-on way.”

Every day is different, which Allanah enjoys: “Working at 91���� has been an incredibly enriching experience. No two days are the same. From helping with homework to planning fun activities and days out – like a recent trip to Braehead with one of the young people – it’s these everyday moments that help build trust and strong relationships.”

Photo of Allanah taken by a young person on a shopping trip.

Although Allanah acknowledges there can be challenges, she says the rewards far outweigh the difficulties: “Learning about the trauma that some young people have faced, and how that can affect their behaviour, isn’t easy. But the level of training and support we receive – as well as the sense of purpose – makes it all worthwhile. I’d encourage anyone considering a career in childcare to apply.”

Career Start is open to all and welcomes applications from those who want to make a difference to the lives of young people. No prior experience or formal qualifications are required. Trainees are supported to gain an HNC in Social Services while receiving a full-time wage based on the Scottish Living Wage, with a guaranteed interview for a permanent role on successful completion of the course.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start welcomes applications from anyone who wants to help others. It’s a chance for people with life experience to change careers or for graduates and young adults to create a fulfilling livelihood for themselves.

Those who apply can expect to earn a living wage, gain invaluable work experience and study towards a HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, an interview to become a Child and Youth Care Worker at 91���� is guaranteed. It’s a rewarding role that brings a strong sense of purpose, alongside exceptional staff benefits and career progression opportunities.

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults by becoming a trusted, familiar presence. Day to day, you’ll support them with routines and activities such as attending school, enjoying hobbies and making the most of their leisure time.

91���� supports individuals up to the age of 26 meaning your new job will offer plenty of variety. It suits people who can show commitment, flexibility and resilience.

Report writing and monitoring are also an important part of the job, helping to keep care plans up to date and ensure each person receives the best possible support.

Highly recommended by those who have completed the course. We’ve welcomed people from a wide range of backgrounds including graduates, career changers, tradespeople and parents. Many initially didn’t realise how valuable their existing skills and life experience would be in this new career.

Allanah graduated with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and spent time teaching English abroad. She was considering a teaching job before deciding on our traineeship.

Ruby brought life experience from working across hospitality, pharmacy and sales.

Ryan wanted to change careers after working as a landscaper.

Julie Ann chose our traineeship to return to work after raising her own kids.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Niamh’s dream since being a little girl was to help people. Through 91����’s Career Start training programme her wish has come true! Niamh is now a qualified Child and Youth Worker who is highly dedicated to supporting care-experienced children and young people to thrive.

Hear from Niamh About Her Career In Care

In Niamh’s eyes, her responsibility is to create happy childhoods for the youngsters in her care: “Growing up in care can be life changing, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If young people have caring adults around them, young people can realise their full potential and achieve amazing things with their lives.”

“The aim is to give them a childhood full of love. I want young people to look back on their time here and think “they really believed in me”.”

Compassion guides Niamh as she tries to champion young people to be the best version of themselves.

Niamh fully understands the impact she has in shaping young lives in the work she does each day within one of our children’s residential houses: “In my role, I offer constant support to young people. I listen to them and give advice when needed. We go outside and play and I go in goals when playing football. We often end the day watching a good movie too.

“I would describe our house as somewhere you walk into and immediately feel the warmth of a happy home.”

“Ideally, I want young people to feel lighter after spending time with us and start to feel empowered to make healthy choices and good decisions in their own lives.”

Niamh is truly motivated to making those around her feel settled and comfortable.

Watch Our Video

Niamh Share What Her Responsibilities Include

Teamwork is one of the main things Niamh enjoys most about the Child and Youth Care Worker job role. Her upbeat and friendly personality makes her a joy to be around and she works well alongside everyone involved in the children’s lives.

Niamh is entrusted with promoting the Promise amongst the team. Her enthusiasm boosts overall morale as she helps her fellow youth workers realise how much the values of the Promise are embedded in the daily routine.

It’s important to reflect on how we support care-experienced young people to feel loved, respected and safe and Niamh actively starts relevant group discussions: “I have found ways to show the house how the Promise is linked into everything that we naturally do. I have evidenced all our memories in our ‘Promise folder’ with plenty of photos. There is also family feedback as we encourage positive family relationships and are in frequent contact, sharing good news.”

Niamh uses props to pose questions to staff members, prompting them to think about their actions: “I use cards – an example of the card and what it’d say would be – “my family are involved in all decisions of my life”. I would hand out different cards to the staff team and ask how we achieve this for our young people. The answers come straightaway, as I say the team do this every day.”

Questions are also put to young people: “I catch-up with young people with specific questions and I take their answers to the team meetings, and we, as a team, learn from the responses.

Young people are the priority and their wellbeing and needs are central to all decisions from the moment they arrive: “I maintain the ‘welcome pack’ which can be given to a new young person before they arrive, this has pictures of the house and the staff. It gives them an insight into what to expect and what it’s like here.”

“I showcase all of our young people’s achievements and keep a note of what goals have been fulfilled successfully. We want young people to see what they can accomplish, realise their own potential and build confidence in themselves.”

When we take time to get together and think things through, it reminds us that even small efforts can have a significant impact.

A great addition to the children’s residential house is a Houseparent. This is a new job role focused on making the space feel welcoming while providing healthy home-cooked meals and snacks.

Niamh is grateful to have Houseparent Paulina as part of the team: “We have a Houseparent called Paulina. She cooks our lunch and dinner and is part of what really makes our house a home.”

“Paulina has a wonderful relationship with the young people and we all adore her.”

91���� exists to give young people a chance at life, which can only happen if everyone brings the energy, dedication and understanding required to work toward the shared aim.

Niamh is a shining example of how one person’s actions can inspire hope in others. She is exactly the kind of Child and Youth Care Worker our young people and fellow colleagues deserve to be around. The determination to make a positive difference is exactly what we look for to be part of 91����.

Join Niamh

Find out how you can start a new job and achieve meaningful change for children and families alongside Niamh.

Kyle is gaining the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to become a Child and Youth Care Worker through 91����’s Career Start Training Programme. Over 12-months, Kyle earns while spending time in one of our residential children’s houses alongside a mentor and working towards an HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, he is guaranteed an interview to continue his career at 91����.

An essential element of the apprenticeship-inspired programme involves being based inside one of our houses, acting as a helping hand to the permanent staff team who support care-experienced young people.

Kyle got involved in youth care as he wanted to pursue a career that gave him purpose. He was drawn to the idea of helping young people lead positive and healthy lifestyles.

The genuine motivation to do work that mattered has strengthened Kyle’s commitment to learning new skills and thrive in the Career Start apprenticeship-inspired programme. He immediately slotted in to the house and got involved in the day-to-day routines of the house, quickly building warm positive relationships with young people and the adults he worked alongside.

Kyle was determined to bring happy childhood memories to youngsters and already as a Trainee he has created a Hogmanay those around him will always remember. The sound carried through the campus and included: Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave, The Rowan Tree, Green Hills of Tyrol, Lochanside, and The Battles O’er.

Every shift of Kyle’s is different, often with time spent in the house with young people and adults or taking youngsters out. Also, paperwork is essential. For New Year’s Eve, the team wanted the evening to feel calm, prioritising time together over big celebrations. The plan was to relax, be together and make wholesome memories. Kyle’s personal hobby of bagpiping added fun, energy and liveliness!

Young people were curious to hear Kyle play with one saying: “I was looking forward to hearing Kyle play and what the bagpipes would sound like. At first they seemed a bit loud but they actually made me feel happy and I couldn’t help smiling.”

Kyle had a natural talent for music and the experience has led him to encourage youngsters to pursue activities they enjoy: “Hobbies are such an important thing and essential to building self-esteem. It shows young people that although challenging moments arise when learning something new, it’s worth it when you can get past that period.”

Kyle has been playing the bagpipes for 12 years and understands first-hand how learning about something you have a genuine interest in can build self-confidence and enjoyment. Kyle’s belief of encouraging young people to reach their full potential makes him exceptionally well-suited for a career as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Kyle is on-track to qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker in the summer and intends to interview for us. If successful, there’s potential for Kyle’s bagpiping to be a 91���� Hogmanay tradition.

Kyle is up for his bagpiping becoming an annual event in the calendar: “I always enjoy these types of things and knowing it can bring so much joy makes it even more worth it, so here’s hoping I’ll get the chance to do it again!”.

Join Kyle

We’re in-search of people like Kyle who would like to change careers and bring their own life experience, hobbies and talents to mentor care-experienced young people as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Find out more about our Career Start Training Programme and follow a similar path to Kyle.

Working at 91���� is an opportunity to build a long-term, rewarding career. Vacancies vary from frontline care staff to jobs within corporate services, which support overall business operations. Departments include finance, HR, ICT and more. The charity values ambition and recruits driven employees who aspire to reach their full potential too. The staff team strives to do their best whether they work directly with young people or not and in return, 91���� invests heavily in career development for all.

91���� offers various Apprenticeship Programmes to widen opportunities for job seekers. The Career Start in Child and Youth Care programme trains those who want to become Child and Youth Care Workers. Alternatively, there are Graduate or Modern Apprenticeships in a range of our business areas.

As an ICT Graduate Apprentice, Adam is part of 91����’s established ICT department while working towards a university degree in Software Development at the University of the West of Scotland. Adam is appreciative of his ICT colleagues who can provide him with advice and guidance from their lived experience. The insight into their daily responsibilities and practical knowledge boosts Adam’s understanding of the coursework. Adam is determined to complete the academic qualification and join the team permanently as a full-time ICT Systems Analyst.

It has been a positive experience for Adam to learn while completing on-the-job training as he values time with his colleagues: “I work within 91����’s ICT department while studying Software Development at the University of the West of Scotland. I shadow my co-workers who take the time to explain each step involved in resolving the issues we’re working on.”

“Being taught on the job lets me ask any questions freely. I feel so much more confident and knowledgeable when I go to study because I have seen what we’re talking about applied in the real workplace.”

Adam is leading by example, demonstrating the rewarding career you can have at 91���� when you show great enthusiasm for learning and teamwork.

Watch Our Video

Hear from ICT Graduate Apprentice Adam as he explains the advantages to beginning a career at 91���� and working while studying.

Join Adam

There are plenty of reasons to work at 91���� and begin a career with longevity. Find a new job to suit you.

91���� opened children’s nursery for all families in Renfrewshire, Glasgow and beyond. With a 175-year-old history in child development, our commitment to introduce new services led us to expand and offer high quality, affordable childcare to neighbouring families with an exclusive discount to our staff team. Angelina is one of the experienced Senior Early Years Practitioners at Puddle Lane and her commitment to delivering an outstanding childcare service made her a suitable candidate for 91����’s Further Study Programme. Angelina is now on track to qualify with a BA (Hons) degree in Early Learning and Childcare from the University of the West of Scotland, funded by 91����.

Angelina is motivated to be the best Senior Early Years Practitioner she can be by the children. Every morning the little ones run inside, excitedly greeting Angelina with echoes of “morning Lena” and immediately start chatting about what activities they’ll get up to that day. Angelina and her colleagues wholeheartedly agree it is a privilege to be part of the children’s lives, and they strive to deliver outstanding childcare.

Puddle Lane is a happy place to spend time and is a standout childcare service. There are indoor open plan playroom and large gardens, a soft play area, and a dedicated lunch room. The nursery operates as a social enterprise and reinvests into the service, ensuring ongoing development.

Angelina decided to apply for 91����’s Further Study Programme and qualify in Early Learning and Childcare with the University of the West of Scotland alongside her job at Puddle Lane. The decision to move forward with a university degree while working, demonstrates her commitment to shaping an enriching learning environment for those in the important earliest stages of life.

Angelina shares the motivation behind continuing her studies while working as a Senior Early Years Practitioner: “I absolutely love my job at Puddle Lane and the best thing about working in early years is spending time with the children.”

She acknowledges the big responsibility of balancing university and work: “Yes, studying while working is a massive commitment, but I thoroughly enjoy learning. I have always been studious and being able to gain an even greater understanding of childhood is very valuable to me.”

Angelina is beginning to visualise what having the degree will mean to her: “I can bring new learnings straight into my job at the nursery. To officially have a degree and apply my academic knowledge to help children develop and thrive will be so rewarding.”

Angelina is a friendly and familiar face to the children and families of Puddle Lane. Her organisational skills paired with her creative flair leads to big artistic projects for the little ones to get involved in. Previous arts and crafts activities have involved as well as

Watch our video of Senior Early Years Practitioner Angelina

Visit to find out more about the outstanding children’s nursery in Hillington, or head to to join a staff team, dedicated to shaping the world in which children grow up.

Grant reflected on when he first joined Career Start: “As a young Trainee, I knew one day I wanted to be as welcoming and helpful to others as my mentors, Kirsten and Aleisha had been to me.”

“Kirsten was my first mentor who was amazing. She showed me exactly what the role of a Child and Youth Care Worker involved and included me in all her day-to-day tasks, giving me great insight but Kirsten decided to go part-time to attend University. I then selected Aleisha to be my mentor as she was such a big part of our team and always first to help others.”

Grateful for his own Career Start experience and keen to help shape the journey of upcoming Child and Youth Care Workers he successfully achieved his goal of becoming a mentor himself: “I became a mentor as I enjoy helping people and having been a Trainee myself, I know how daunting it can all be but also how rewarding it is when you come out the other side. I love nothing more than helping people and seeing others reach goals and succeed.”

Grant gives an insight into the role of a mentor: “Working with young people can be quite busy with a lot going on. Career Start is a mixture of working in the house and completing the HNC qualification, it’s the support network in place that helps you to achieve. You have a lot of support from experienced staff and the Learning and Development team to help you.”

“My two previous Trainee who I mentored said they were grateful for me and that I was really supportive.  My goal is to help new staff to settle in and share my experience with them to make them feel as comfortable as possible. I support Trainees through all the ups and downs they experience along the way of reaching their moment of realisation that this is the job for them. All of a sudden, Trainees recognise the difference they are making and how fulfilled they feel coming to work each day, it’s extremely motivational for me to see this first-hand.”

Becoming a mentor is rewarding and Grant shares what he himself has learned from Trainees: “Personally, since becoming a mentor, my time management is much better as I have to balance carrying out my role as well as spending time with others, setting goals with them and monitoring their progress.”

“I feel I have further developed my own skills too and I now have more responsibilities to help others. Although I am a mentor to Trainees, I am also approachable to all new staff team members as we’re all here for the same reason – to make a difference to the lives of young people. There is great team work at 91����.”

Meet Grant’s Mentor, Aleisha

An inspiration to Grant, Aleisha shares her point-of-view of being a mentor. Also, a previous Trainee, Aleisha has progressed to qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker, mentor others and achieve the promotion of Senior Practitioner. She leads by example of what you can achieve through Career Start.

“I was recommended to the mentoring programme by a colleague. I took the time to consider taking on the extra challenge and ultimately, decided I would enjoy passing on my experience and helping others. The responsibility of being a mentor developed my own skills too and as a result, I have since achieved career progression from Trainee to Child and Youth Care Worker to a Senior Practitioner.”

“The role of a mentor is incredibly important as working at 91���� and spending time in the houses is fast-paced. As a mentor, I am prepared to offer one-to-one support to Trainees and be someone they can rely upon. It does involve going over and above to make sure the Trainee is comfortable with their responsibilities.”

“I was also a Trainee myself so I have been through the learning process of completing the training programme. I am someone Trainees can relate to, I’ve been in their shoes.”

“My own mentor was Care and Education Coordinator Craig who was energetic and enthusiastic and taught me the priority is building genuine relationships with the kids and getting to know them. Also, that humour goes a long way.”

“The entire staff team is friendly and willing to help Trainees; however, it is valuable to have one set person who dedicates the time for one-to-one support. With a mentor, there’s always time to ask questions and take away any anxieties about starting the new role.”

Apply now to Career Start in Child and Youth Care. You’l receive full support and mentoring from 91����’s own Learning and Development team and a mentor similar to Grant as you accomplish beginning a brand-new rewarding career with 91����.

Changing careers at 37 can be an overwhelming thought, however, Ryan heard about 91����’s Career Start in Child and Youth Care and immediately thought: ‘That’s what I am looking for!’

About Career Start

Career Start prioritises life experience and enthusiasm in its job applications; rather than formal qualifications. Ryan was a parent and volunteered as a football coach – he was confident he had transferable skills to relate to young people and be a positive influence. Ryan decided he was suitable to apply to Career Start and was overjoyed to hear his application was successful.

Now a Trainee Child and Youth Care Worker, Ryan gives us an insight into the most enjoyable part of the experience so far: “I enjoy getting to know young people, finding out their likes and dislikes and creating friendships with them.”

“The training has been helpful too, teaching us about individual thinking and the reasoning behind certain behaviours.”

“Since joining Career Start, I believe I am a better person and better parent.”

What Does Each Working Day Involve?

The working week of a Trainee initially involves six-months of training with 91����’s own Learning and Development team. Whereas the latter half of the year includes practical experience alongside studying: trainees spend three-days in a children’s residential house with a mentor, one day in the classroom and another independent study day at home. Ryan describes his working week:

“I spend Monday in the classroom working towards an HNC qualification, another day studying at home and also complete three shifts per week.”

“My day can depend on the shift. I prefer backshift and spending time with kids after-school. I encourage young people to find a fun activity to try – some pick to go shopping, go-karting or playing goals outside.”

“The work placement means the training isn’t hypothetical and instead, we’re living what the academic side is trying to tell us. I find it valuable being able to watch, observe and get involved with how experienced Child and Youth Care Workers bond with young people and create such fun, positive memories for those in our care.”

“My mentor, Tracey is a massive inspiration to me and I relate to her as she understands the commitment of studying for a qualification.”

About the Academic Side of Career Start

Through Career Start, Trainees achieve an HNC qualification with full support from 91����’s own instructors. Although many may be nervous about studying, Ryan reassures potential applicants: “Immediately I was nervous about the thought of studying, however, each trainee receives one-to-one support and there is always a mentor on-hand to text, email and talk to. All the trainees have a Whatsapp group to support one another too.”

“When I first applied I was interested in the practical skills involved as knew this would be my strength, however, the academic part has given me great understanding of the role.”

Who Is Suitable to Apply to 91����’s Career Start Training Programme?

You may be wondering if you can join Ryan as a Trainee Child and Youth Care Worker and if you have the drive and enthusiasm to start a new career. In Ryan’s opinion the following traits are the best characteristics potential applicants can possess:

“1. You must value consistency and be aware of the commitment involved.”

“2. Be yourself every day as young people are drawn to reliable and trusting adults who are genuine. You can’t teach personality and friendliness so if you’re naturally fun and enjoy spending time with young people, you’ll excel.”

“3. Also, you have to be resilient. Remember, it’s a learning process. There are absolutely brilliant days but each shift, actually, each hour, is different and you’ll keep experiencing new things, which keeps it interesting. My advice would be to start each shift as a brand-new day.”

Ryan began Career Start in Child and Youth Care Worker in July 2023 and is expecting to qualify this summer.

Career Start in Child and Youth Care is 91����’s own training programme that recruits people with life experience to qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker.

Through Career Start, you have the opportunity to earn while qualifying as a Child and Youth Care Worker. Successful recruits receive full mentoring and support to achieve an HNC qualification and complete a work placement within one of our fun children’s residential houses.

91���� supports children and young people aged 5-26-years-old therefore is in a unique position to provide valuable and varied on-the-job training to those in-search of a fulfilling career.

“I knew I wanted to work with children and Career Start gave me the opportunity to change careers from retail and retrain.”

Julie Ann

We welcome graduates, young adults, those with life experience and people who want to change careers and begin a role with longevity. Our in-house Learning and Development team continue to help individuals expand their skills, knowledge and experience even once qualified.

“I progressed from being a Trainee to qualifying as a Child and Youth Care Worker before achieving a promotion to Senior Practitioner.”

Aleisha

Next Steps

Discover what is involved in the Career Start Training Programme and apply before Monday 3^rd June 2024.