North Ayrshire parents are now training to become classroom assistants in schools via a popular training initiative.
And one mum has told how her recent placement at Kilwinning Academy has improved her whole life.
As part of North Ayrshire Council’s Skills For Life programme, parents who have been out of work and are looking to get back into the workplace are supported as they explore new opportunities.
The programme provides a temporary 26-week mentored position within the council and participants are offered pre-employment advice, in-work support and support to find positions that work well with their family life.
Kilwinning mum-of-two Cheryl Moore has just completed the Skills For Life Classroom Assistant programme after hearing about it through We Work For Families (WWFF), a council-funded service in Ardrossan that supports parents to break down barriers and get into work.
Cheryl revealed: “I have always had a passion for finding a job in an education setting, but my lack of experience held me back. Skills For Life has now given me the experience in a school setting.
“I have had a lot of support along the way, and the programme has improved life for me. It has given me the hands-on experience I needed and cemented that this is the career path I would like to take.
“It has also improved life for my family because it has given me an income, allows me to do more things with my children, means I am there for my kids during the summer holidays and has taken away the barrier that I had – which was childcare.”
Cheryl, who is currently applying for permanent jobs, added: “I would recommend the Skills For Life programme to other parents who are looking for a fresh start. I would say to other parents if they get this opportunity, they should jump at it.
“This has been the first time in 14 years of working life that I have not woken up in the morning dreading coming to work. It has been such a positive experience.”
Tim Swan, head teacher at Kilwinning Academy, said: “Cheryl has been great at the school. She has made a lot of contacts and worked well with the other classroom assistants.
"Staff have also commented on how positive she has been within the classroom while working with young people.”
“This programme offers people a real opportunity to develop skills that will improve your life chances and improve your chance of getting a job. It will also improve your confidence and self-belief.”
To access any of the opportunities delivered by Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire please email employability@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here