People 1st have appointed by Belfast City Council to facilitate Children’s Care/Playwork Upskilling Academies. 

The aim of the academies is to support Belfast residents working in the industries, to develop skills and achieve a qualification that will enable them to access better employment opportunities. Participants will work towards the Level 3 or 5 Diploma in either Children’s Care Learning & Development or Playwork, which will enable them to access an identified supervisory or management role within the sector. This will then create an escalator with back-fill care job opportunities for those wishing to enter the labour market. It is intended that this skills escalator will enable employers to have access to the higher-level skills and succession planning to sustain and grow their business.
 
Eligibility/Requirements

  • Participants must be a resident in the Belfast City Council area.
  • Participants must be working in a suitable children’s care/playwork role and be supported by their employer to undertake activities which meet the requirements of the Level 3 or 5 qualification standards.
  • There must be evidence that employer commitment has been secured and progression opportunities available.  Participants will be screened prior to acceptance to determine their eligibility, suitability and willingness/ability to work in the positions available. 
  • Places first come, first served basis and will be offered to those who successfully complete the selection process, which includes having access to enhanced employment opportunities on the basis that they complete the CCLD/Playwork Upskilling Academy. 

Facilitation Model
Participants are required to attend master classes which will focus on best practice in the Childcare/Playwork sector, these will be held fortnightly or monthly via Zoom. Participants will be allocated an assessor who supports them on a one-to-one basis to focus on areas of development and to achieve the award. The assessors use digital assessment methods and an e-portfolio system which will reduce the volume of written work and ensures confidentiality throughout the process as no paperwork is required to leave the workplace.

Application forms, these must be completed together by the candidate/employer:

Children’s Care Level 3 – Click here to apply

Children’s Care Level 5 – Click here to apply

Playwork Level 3 – Click here to apply

Playwork Level 5 – Click here to apply

This initiative is funded by Belfast City Council and, if the application is accepted, there is no cost to the participant/employer.

If you have any enquiries, please contact Cathy on 07999 023291 or email c.mcgarvey@people-1st.co.uk

For more information on training and support in Belfast City Council area go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employmentacademies