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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

Alistair is surrounded by caring people in his personal life as well as being kind-hearted himself. He and his partner share a strong belief in the importance of helping others, with jobs in the NHS and 91���� the pair often work Christmas Day. They both understand essential work is even more crucial during this time of year and Alistair considers it a privilege to play a role in the young lives around him.

Throughout the year Alistair makes sure the young kids he supports feel loved, listened to and safe in the knowledge that he is always there for them. Christmas is no different. Wonderful moments are shared and memories are made but really, it’s just another special time when the children feel happy, cared for and full of joy.

Alistair describes how the children’s eyes light up with wonder and delight at everything Christmassy. The red and green decorations, sparkly and twinkling lights and festive characters all have them in awe: “Seeing how excited the kids are in the lead up is always something that sticks with me.”

“Everyone gets involved in the festivities! Some dress up as Santa, his reindeers and the Grinch to surprise the children!”

Early December is when the fun activities start: “The magic begins with decorating our house, baking cakes, crafting, choosing gifts, and planning Christmas-themed days out together. We’ve been to the pantomime and visited Santa.”

There are certain traditions that are precious and turn little moments into big memories: “Christmas Eve is spent putting out reindeer dust, putting on Christmas pyjamas and watching a movie.”

Christmas Morning is extraordinary and full of joy: “I can’t wait to see the kids open their presents. We’ll play Christmas music and sit down together for dinner. Some of the children will see their families too.”

“The most important thing is making the day feel as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for the kids.”

Alistair never falters in remembering the kids come first always: “We recognise Christmas can be exciting but also overwhelming. We focus on reassurance, routines, listening, and giving young people choice so they can have a Christmas that suits them.”

“We keep things calm, pressure free, and going with the pace of what each young person can cope with.”

Alistair wouldn’t change his job at 91����: “It really is a privilege to be part of making Christmas a positive experience for the young people and get to be involved in making amazing memories with the kids, especially at this time of year.”

Alistair’s example of bringing joy to every day special for the children is inspiring. We look to recruit similar people who share his kindness, commitment and love for supporting young people.

Join Alistair

Find purpose in helping young people thrive, whether you work with kids directly or in another essential role.

Ruby works alongside a Cook and a Catering Trainer in one of 91����’s professional kitchens. She assists with recipes and meal preparation, keeps supplies well-stocked and preps ingredients. In amongst chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, mixing, seasoning and garnishing, the crew have created a close-knit team dedicated to feeding their colleagues and young people.

The busy working kitchen is also the base for where some young people gain their catering qualifications. They gain hands-on experience, enjoying the fast pace and teamwork. Many youngsters show an interest in food and nutrition and are motivated to make personal healthy choices that can keep them active and fit. With everyone willing to help, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making each day seem to fly by.

When picturing Christmas Day at 91����, Ruby can’t wait: “Christmas Day at 91���� is a wonderful atmosphere. Everybody is in high spirits and chatting away. Of course, food has a massive part to play.”

“The morning will start with rolls filled with sausages and potato scones. Followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. For dessert, it’s Black Forest Gateau. A fan favourite dinner with the kids is usually Steak Pie but for the 25^th they’ve requested a turkey dinner.”

“In the kitchen, we’ve insisted on homemade stuffing, refusing anything shop-bought as we want it to be filling and full of flavour.”

“There will be buffet food too with crisps, crackers and cheese and bits and bobs that can be snacked on.”

The build-up is fun too: “Early December is when we get the Christmas tunes on and have sing-a-long while we work.”

“Myself and young people who are here studying professional cookery have been busy making Christmas lunch for some of the corporate staff teams including the maintenance team. It feels great to have a purpose and make everyone feel festive.”

“We try to teach young people as much as possible. Cooking good, nutritious food for yourself is such an important life skill that is so valuable.”

Reflecting on her time at 91����, Ruby remembers her best Christmas Day yet: “One of the staff teams who look after young people decided to decorate a room into fancy restaurant for Christmas Day. They wanted the kids to feel as if they were going out somewhere truly special for dinner.”

“Tablecloths, props and artwork transformed the space into a top-notch venue. The kids got dressed up in heels and their best dresses.”

“It was amazing to see the kids so happy at what can sometimes be a challenging time. No matter what job you do at 91����, we all must remember we’re on the same team and here for the kids.”

The idea of working towards the bigger picture of making care-experienced young people’s lives brighter is something Ruby lives by. Her outgoing and caring personality gives Ruby the ability to uplift anyone she meets. Full of confidence, she looks out for everyone around her and brings positivity and cheer.

As soon as you step into the kitchen, Ruby, Carol and Laura will immediately offer you a sandwich, biscuit or tea. It’s clear to see how well they all work together as a team.

Ruby’s teammates feel lucky to be around someone like her: “Ruby goes over and above and lifts everyone’s spirits”

In return, Ruby is grateful to spend day after day with her colleagues: “I love working with such talented colleagues. We make a great team. We bake fantastic sticky toffee puddings, support young students and make sure every day is a positive experience.”

As 91���� opens new services and aims to help even more young people, it is essential that any new recruits share and uphold Ruby’s commitment and mindset to always put the kids first.

Join Ruby

Find a new job to suit you! You can have a rewarding career at 91���� just like Ruby.

With a career in care spanning almost a decade and a birthday that falls on New Year’s Day, Jonathan’s preferred festive tradition is to be with the kids he supports on the 25^th December and be with his own family and friends the following week.

Jonathan believes this time of year is to be around people who make you happy and to feel cosy and relaxed. Proudly taking on the persona of a Christmas elf from Santa’s toy workshop, Jonathan’s favourite thing to do is choose surprise gifts for under the tree. He makes sure the Christmas tunes are playing, helps young people decorate the house and puts a Christmas-themed fireplace video on the TV. Jonathan makes sure the two young people who live in the house get a warm welcome home when returning from college, work or being out with friends especially as the temperature outside gets frostier.

Within the house, the close-knit staff team have built genuine relationships with young people and Jonathan explains that the real magic is creating new memories together: “We have made our own traditions and routines here.”

Young people come first in any plans: “Christmas hasn’t always been a positive experience for the young people I support. I can try to introduce some music and movie highlights but I very much follow their lead to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. No expectations are set. Young people want a chilled and relaxed day.”

Jonathan describes the youngster’s ideal Christmas Day: “Young people want to be in their jammies and super-soft oodies. They’ve challenged me to a game of Mario Kart too. One young person has plans to go out in the afternoon but wants to return for a Chinese and Christmas movie with us. We had great fun doing this last year and young people want to repeat and make our chill day an annual celebration.”

Jonathan wouldn’t change his plans: “I love working Christmas! It’s a time for having fun together and I thoroughly enjoy the team I work with and the young people I support.”

“I make fun arrangements with my mum around my shifts. We normally swap presents and have a meal together on Christmas Eve then go for dinner again on Boxing Day to properly catch-up. I think my mum is secretly happy she doesn’t have to share her Chocolate with me on the big day.”

Jonathan sets an example of the type of person suited to a career at 91����. He wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of care-experienced young people, seeing his role as more than a job. He fully understands the positive, long-lasting impact his time, effort and energy can have.

Join Jonathan

Discover how you can have a meaningful career at 91���� too.

Helen is part of 91����’s Housing Support service. She is a consistent, familiar and friendly face to care-experienced young people who are about to live independently for the first time. She makes sure they settle into their new house, offering tips on how to cook, budget and keep the place clean. With Helen’s support, young people feel proud to call their new place their own.

Helen has a calming presence and nurturing nature, which naturally puts young people at ease. She gives them her undivided attention, taking the time to explain the reasoning of any decision or piece of advice given.

Helping others is where Helen finds purpose. She considers people’s feelings all-year-round and gives them a reason to smile every day. The busy festive season is no different and Helen’s thoughtfulness, kind spirit and warm personality thrives in December.

Helen explains her career at 91���� has never felt like work, even on Christmas Day: Over the years of being at 91����, whether I have been in a residential children’s house or part of Housing Support visiting young adults in their own house, Christmas Day is another day I’m there for young people who need me.”

She wants to make the season special for everyone: “To me, there needs to be magic at Christmas. On the 24^th December, there needs to be Christmas jammies, Christmas movies and the smell of Christmas dinner prep in the air.

“The next day begins with waking up to French toast before opening presents.”

Reflecting on the past, Helen believes the priority is to offer steady support at all times: “I remember one year, one young person being overwhelmed with the big emotions and high expectations that can come at Christmas time. However, I take the time to try and help them voice their feelings and dedicate time to talk things through and reassure them that together, we can find a solution that’ll make things better.”

As December 2025 approaches, Helen describes how she’ll be spending her 24^th Christmas at 91����: “This year, I’m supporting a young person who loves reading. She is always telling me about her latest new book. I’ll see her on Christmas Day to have breakfast, open presents and check on the turkey dinner plans.”

Helen goes above and beyond to be a constant in young people’s lives, being there for them during happy and challenging times, building trusting relationships and giving young people someone they can turn to.

A key responsibility of Helen’s essential job role is to guide young people when needed, but most importantly, she hopes to empower young people to feel confident in making their own positive and healthy choices. Sometimes life lessons are best learned first-hand and Helen is always there, not to say “I told you so” but to inspire resilience and help young people see they’re capable of creating a bright and fulfilling life.

Join Helen

You can have a fulfilling career at 91���� too. Find out more about working with us.

Karen has over 16 years’ experience in human resources and has continued to develop her career at 91����. She now oversees the in-house team of HR professionals who support the organisation’s diverse staff team that involves a wide range of job roles across care, education, psychology, corporate services and more.

Job variety is one of the key benefits of starting a new job at 91����. Due to the size and scale of 91���� and the fact our services help such a wide age range of 5 to 26-year-olds, each day is different. There are opportunities to change department, lead new services, and an internal Learning and Development team for you to gain further qualifications and complete specialised training. The diverse range of tasks enriches your work experience and keeps every day interesting. When you apply to work at 91����, it is likely to be more than a new job; instead, you get a career with longevity and endless possibilities for career development.

The ambitious culture at 91���� exists because of careful planning. We make sure the driven workforce feels supported. 91����’s overall way of working includes the component of a ‘Skilled and Supported Workforce’, which means all within the organisation understand employees are a priority, and as HR Manager, Karen ensures that processes exist for employees to be listened to. Those who work at 91���� and are dedicated to building a long-term, rewarding career must have the support necessary to accomplish their responsibilities to the best of their ability. Karen works closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to design a suitable staff benefits package that ensures employees are looked after in terms of their own health, wellbeing and personal development.

HR Manager, Karen confirms employees must feel valued and have a good work-life balance to be fuelled with enthusiasm and energy at work: “We want our staff team to bring a positive attitude and focus to work. We want everyone to feel valued and ready to contribute in making sure 91���� delivers the best care possible to young people.”

Karen goes above and beyond to advocate that the workplace be reflective of what the staff need. She was instrumental in introducing 91����’s new policy detailing information about handling menopause at work. In her unwavering commitment to add to the positive culture at 91����, she plays a huge part in the wider wellbeing group.

Karen describes her motivation for helping to ensure 91���� is an employer that continually strives to raise standards: “I want people to enjoy coming to work, feeling motivated to do their very best. At 91����, we will always do what we can to make staff team feel supported.”

91���� puts a great amount of effort into being a good employer and has been recognised and accredited for paving the way for employees to develop professionally and personally. The Herald Top Employer Awards announced 91���� as the Scottish Employer of the Year and Medium Employer of the Year. S1 Jobs Recruitment Awards named 91���� as Scotland’s Best Charity Employer too.

91���� is also proud to have been awarded ‘Gold’ Status for Investing in People and Investing in Young People. Investors in People (IIP) is a prestigious accreditation presented to outstanding organisations who empower their workforce and have formally recognised 91���� as an organisation who prioritise their staff team.

HR Manager, Karen is one of the voices advocating for 91����’s workforce. Whether you work at 91���� and spend time directly with young people or are in a supportive role within our corporate services, we’re all working towards helping young people. By supporting the staff team, employees have the resources to make a difference and the young people who need us are the ones who have the most to benefit.

Apply now

Learn more about the jobs at 91���� and find out if you’re qualified to work with us in one of our current vacancies or discover how you can change careers through our apprenticeship and trainee programmes.

Since joining 91���� four years ago, Lesley has chosen to spend every Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 91����, creating memories for young people who she has formed strong bonds with. The festive period has the power to bring overwhelming emotions to the forefront for some and Lesley takes the time to plan how the day can be enjoyed. Over the years, meaningful traditions have since been created due to Lesley’s compassionate energy and enthusiasm for making good memories during the demanding time of year.

Lesley with the festive Christmas tree.

Lesley’s preparations begin long before the 24^th December as she is determined to bring joyful moments while also offering space to those who wish to reflect and remember special people who are no longer with us.

The traditions involve Christmas Eve boxes, which include matching jammies to wear the night before waking up in the morning to a big breakfast and presents. Young people spend the day relaxing before having Christmas dinner and Lesley’s on-hand to prepare any special requests from young people – one being a wish for honey-glazed carrots. As well as the Christmas meals, a cheeseboard and snacks are fan-favourites too. The house has a large open plan kitchen and living area where young people are happy to be and help prepare the dinner and set the table.

Lesley and some young people want to remember past loved ones and will do so by lighting-up balloons together. The time of year can magnify feelings of grief and sadness therefore there must be the option to step away from the festivities when needed and have quiet time to reflect.

The house where Lesley is based, may pair up with another house and spend time together. The number of people in each house can differ depending on if young people are seeing family members. By getting together, there’s a bigger group to enjoy one another’s company.

Child and Youth Care Worker, Lesley and Acting Service Manager, John who bring Christmas magic to life for young people.

Lesley fully understands Christmas can mean different things to different people and encourages others to make it their own. Lesley has brought bespoke traditions to the house in the hope young people have memories they can hold on to and look back upon with happiness.

Join Lesley