If you are unemployed and looking to work with children, but have no experience, qualifications and little confidence, there is an opportunity available with an Acocks Green based, not for profit organisation who have funding to give 12 adults 30 weeks practical training programme. The organisation is House of Play + Education (formerly 8+ Play Opportunties) who have been delivering holiday play schemes in Acocks Green for the past 3 years. This is what they have to say about the scheme:

“The project is aimed at adults aged over 18 living in Birmingham who are unemployed or economically inactive. participants will meet together weekly for a programme of informal training based on the common core of skills and knowledge for children’s work as well as confidence building activities, interview techniques, CV writing skills and career advice. Participants will also benefit from fortnightly one to one support sessions and fortnightly work experience in our after school club settings.
 
The programme will be delivered by our team of play workers who will ensure the programme is relaxed and welcoming, we expect that the programme will be of particular interest to parents who are thinking about returning to work now that their children are at school however the programme is open to anybody who is interested in working with children and meets the eligibility criteria.”

They stress they are looking for enthusiasm not academic ability. You can obtain an application form by asking me for one or by calling House of Play + Education directly on 07951 674 624.