Mandy left school with no qualifications. The level of support she received at school was poor and a number of other factors meant she was unable to achieve qualifications. Mandy subsequently focused on her family and had four children. Understandably, training and studying became a second priority.

Mandy was 35 when she was referred to Care Training by Jobcentre Plus. After bringing up her own children she was aware that she had the skills needed to work in childcare, but was unqualified to do so. Therefore she opted for the Children First program (now expired: see Childcare First Careers instead).

Mandy says “The Children First program was perfect for me as it allowed me to study childcare along with other qualifications. This holistic training meant I could study a number of qualifications at once, saving me time.” Mandy adds, “I would have been silly to refuse the opportunity, what really made the difference was the funding for the childcare I needed. Without that I really would have struggled to find suitable carers.”

In Mandy’s initial assessment at Care Training she stated she did, “not have high self-esteem”, and felt, “different levels of confidence in different situations”. In her review 12 weeks on she said, “I feel the course has made a difference to my life as I am doing new things I have never done before.” She also stated her motivation and confidence had increased as a result of the course.

During her time at Care Training Mandy was able to achieve Certificares in Literacy and Numeracy Levels 2s, First Aid, Paediatric First Aid and Health & Safety. She was also assisted in finding a placement to gain some hands-on experience. Mandy says, “getting that experience was great, and without the support I received I wouldn’t have known where to start!”

Due to the underpinning knowledge Mandy received at Care Training she flourished in her placement and was offered the opportunity to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. She completed this qualification in record time as well as looking after her own four children.

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