Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership Launches Fully Funded Childminding Employability Academy

Are you interested in becoming a registered childminder or an approved home childcarer?

The Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership is excited to announce the launch of a fully funded employability academy designed to support individuals through the childminding registration and approval process.

Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive training package, support, and resources to assist them in becoming registered childminders or approved home childcarers. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance employability and provide valuable opportunities for residents within the Borough.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at a local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The Childminding Employability Academy aims to support 125 new childminders across Northern Ireland. Ards and North Down's academy will contribute to this effort by training and accrediting 12 new childminders, with a focus on the Peninsula, where the need has been most identified.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our community. This academy will not only provide essential training and resources but also pave the way for fulfilling careers in childminding and home child care for many of our residents."

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a resident of Ards and North Down Borough
• Over the age of 18
• Unemployed or under-employed (working 16 hours per week or less)
• Committed and able to fully participate in all aspects of the Academy
• Have the right to work in the UK

For more information and to apply, please contact The Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA): fiona.clendinning@nicma.org or 07837734825