AN AYR woman who swapped her retail job for a career caring for children is urging others to join the sector.

Amanda Harvey gave up her role in a shoe shop for a career working with care-experienced young people.

This month, Amanda is urging others to consider the career swap as Kibble, a national charity providing care services for young people across Scotland, embarks on an ambitious recruitment programme aiming at bringing 20 new recruits on board.

The Career Start programme is Kibble’s annual recruitment drive seeking to bring ambitious and passionate people into its organisation as child and youth care worker (CYCW) trainees.

The programme is available to anyone, regardless of career history and qualifications, who has a passion for providing positive pathways and care for young people.

Those who complete the 12-month training will be guaranteed an interview for a role with a salary over £30k per year and have further career development opportunities.

Amanda, 49, said: “I had been working in retail for my entire working life and never really thought I would be able to get a foot in the door with – what I thought was a specialist career path.

"And, while it is specialist, all the training is provided on-the-job meaning it is a career that literally anyone can access if they have the right mindset and attitude.  

“If you had told me a year ago that I would now be a fully qualified child and youth care worker, working with young people on a daily basis and nurturing the most rewarding relationships – I wouldn’t have believed you.

“The blended approach of on-the-job training and classroom study was good for me because I’m a practical learner.

“It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I come to work now and genuinely get to make a positive difference to the lives of young people while feeling motivated and empowered to progress my own skills and understanding, with the career progression and personal development programmes available.”

Candidates who join and complete the course will achieve a HNC in Social Services with the chance to go on to become a CYCW at Kibble.

For further information on the Career Start programme, visit kibble.org/work-with-us/career-start-in-child-and-youth-care. Applications close on November 1.