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.

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.

For over 170 years, 91���� has existed to give young people a chance at life, withstanding the test of time by placing young people at the centre of all business decisions. Achievement of delivering the right support, at the right time to as many young people as possible has required a dedicated staff team, a fact that 91���� is very much aware of.

91���� understands the workforce is the most valuable resource and strives to support each employee professionally and personally. The actions we take to empower the large staff team are recognised by Investors in People (IIP), a renowned accreditation and global benchmark awarded to organisations for demonstrating strong strategic leadership and a commitment to development their people. The IIP status reflects our focus on creating a workplace culture where people want to be, building talent pipelines and nurturing expertise, ensuring 91���� continues to evolve.

The long-standing relationship between 91���� and IIP marks an ongoing effort to invest in the workforce. The tangible ways we uphold our values of Ambition, Respect and Belonging have involved: increased recruitment, a rewarding staff benefits package, research opportunities and new partnerships. Our own model of trauma-informed care includes the component ‘Skilled and Supported Workforce’, which equips us to launch essential services and receive sector-leading results from regulatory bodies including Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland.

The framework of IIP evaluates the three key areas of: leading, supporting and improving. 91���� proudly holds Gold status while operating at the higher Platinum Level for several categories, a standard met by only 2% of the companies assessed. 91���� is leading by example in delivering continuous improvement, creating sustainable success, structuring work and living the organisation’s values and behaviours.

91����’s results outlined in the IIP Framework

Our mission at 91���� is to transform lives, families and communities and a greater impact is had when it’s collective effort. We’re determined to recruit and retain like-minded and ambitious individuals. We want to be known as an employer who invests in people and plan to continue strengthening our relationship with IIP.

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Find a career to suit you and work with an employer who invests in the workforce.

The first in her family to go to university, Sue studied psychology before beginning a postgraduate degree in Social Work. During her social work student placement, Sue spent time within 91����’s residential children’s houses. The experience changed the trajectory of her career as originally Sue had planned to pursue field social work but found being with children in the houses gave her the opportunity to develop genuine relationships. Sue decided she could make the biggest difference to young people by working within residential childcare at 91����.

As one of the UK’s oldest children’s charities, for almost 200 years, 91���� has existed to give young people a chance at life. Sue has seen first hand the charity evolve to deliver essential support to those who need it the most. Since the mid-80s when Sue started at 91����, the organisation has expanded significantly from 5 services to 30. A greater understanding of trauma-informed care influenced 91���� to lead research projects, improve operations and open new services with Sue being proud to have been part of the journey. Sue reflects on the progress and is in awe at the increased access to support not only for young people but families and the wider community too.

Sue joined 91���� at a time when the organisation was recruiting more and more qualified social workers to join education professionals. Sue remembers care and education would always work closely together. The camaraderie was a highlight of working at 91����. Staff planned fun group trips for young people and some of Sue’s favourite memories involved camping across the West Coast, telling ghost stories. The social work perspective brought positive changes, mainly incorporating trauma-informed practice and forming Specialist Intervention Services (SIS), which was 91����’s own team of psychologists and therapists. Sue describes the progression of 91���� as natural as everyone who works here shares the ambition to help as many young people as possible and the organisation has always adapted to offer what young people need to look optimistically towards the future.

A new job at 91���� promises career development, and Sue is a shining example of the job variety you can have when you’re steadfast in making a positive change to young people. Beginning her career working directly with the kids, Sue eventually progressed into a Senior Learning and Development Officer, a role which saw her help train 91����’s frontline care workers. As well as being there for young people of 91����, Sue has empowered the next generation of Child and Youth Care Workers. She stepped into a role that would ensure young people benefit from a highly qualified and competent workforce by sharing her own expertise and experience.

As soon as she showed up to 91���� as an ambitious student, Sue had a willingness to be a positive force for change and advocate for young people. Her uplifting personality has had a profound impact on young people who, with Sue’s support, began to believe in themselves. Sue still keeps in contact with many she once cared for, which is a testament to the bonds she formed throughout her career.

Sue’s enthusiasm to brighten the world around her made colleagues enjoy spending time with her and she became a mentor and friend to those who worked with her too. She has felt great pride in seeing the progress of the colleagues who she remembers first starting at 91����. In Sue’s opinion, the compassionate and upbeat personalities are what makes 91���� outstanding and have helped create the safe, welcoming place where she happily spent 40 years of her life.

Sue with her colleague, Mel.

Follow in Sue’s Footsteps

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.

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.

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.

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