Childcare candidates celebrate qualifications success

More than 70 candidates have received SVQs in a range of early learning and childcare subjects, after undergoing training with Aberlour.

The students attended the SVQ Annual Awards Ceremony following the completion of their training with Aberlour Futures – Aberdeen City and Shire.

Aberlour Futures, which is part of Scottish children’s charity Aberlour, is an SQA Accredited Centre providing training, consultancy and support to Early Learning and Childcare services in Aberdeen City and Shire including access to qualifications.

Between June 2104 and 2015, the centre worked with 242 candidates, helping them on their journey towards being childcare professionals.

Of these, 71 achieved qualifications in a range of SVQs including Children’s Care, Learning and Development; Playwork; and Social Services (Children and Young People).

A graduation ceremony took place at the Copthorne Hotel, with a range of speakers including a group of pupils from Oldmachar Academy.

They gave a group presentation on their experience participating in the Skills For Work program, which led to them each achieving a National 5 award in Early Education and Childcare.

Susan Greig, Assistant Service Manager for Employability, said “A special mention goes to Megan Gill, who joined us as a Skills For Work pupil last year from Oldmachar Academy. As part of her programme, she went on a placement to the St Swithin Nursery, where she impressed the team with her knowledge and skills and was offered employment.

“This meant that Megan had secured a job before she left school, and has now gone on to take part in our Modern Apprenticeship Programme. Megan is a great example of how dedicated training by Aberlour Futures helps candidates secure the qualifications they need to begin a career in the childcare sector”.

“Megan was asked to share her learning  journey about the course and how it led to her successfully embarking on Aberlour Futures Modern Apprenticeship programme, studying for an SVQ 3 in Social Services Children and Young People”.

Elaine Terry, owner of the St Swithin Nursery, said: “The Skills For Work programme is a valuable option for young people who wish a career in the Early Years sector and then wish to take their learning further with the Modern Apprenticeship Programme”. 

Mary Crear, Service Manager for Aberlour Futures, said “We wish all our candidates, all the very best in their future careers working with children.”

Other speakers on the night included Lisa Murray, owner of Banbury Cross Nursery, who highlighted her experience of participating in the Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice and Eleanor Mands, of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a child care professional, contact the team at Aberlour Futures on (01224) 764500 or email futures@aberlour.org.uk.