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Action for children logo
Organisation name
Action for Children
Brief summary
Care First is a 5-week training programme aimed at young people who would like to explore careers in Social Care. Whether it is childcare, elderly care or disability care, the course offers a practical pathway to employment. It is a 5-week ’Care First’ empowerment course aimed at people with school-aged children (5 to 18 years) or young adults aged 16 to 24.
What does the support look like?
In today’s job market, the Care sector stands out for its consistent demand for skilled workers. With frequent job openings and opportunities for career advancement, this sector ensures job security and room for career growth, making it an ideal choice for those seeking employment. We introduce our participants to this occupational area to get ready for employment in this sector.
What will I get?
We introduce you to this occupational area to get ready for employment in this sector. You will have a key worker, providing consistent 1:1 support and encouragement. This can include building confidence/motivation and barrier removal. We will create a person-centred action plan to meet individual needs and resolve personal barriers.

The course covers:
• Sectoral awareness and introduction to occupations/roles
• SQA Qualification
• First Aid Workshop
• Employability Skills
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop
• NHS Turas Training and Visits from industry experts such as the NHS
• Interactive groupwork and alcohol/drug awareness and education
• Goal setting and matching you into progression opportunities i.e. training, education, jobs
• Aftercare (26 weeks) and ongoing support
When
Next up: March 2026

Duration: 3 days a week for 5 weeks
Where
Castlebrae Business Centre
Unit 13
40 Peffer Place
Edinburgh
EH16 4BB
What can I do next?
After completing the course, you will receive six months of aftercare support. During this period, a keyworker will connect with you monthly. They will offer personalised 1:1 support with job searches, college applications, or further training. This support will be tailored to your unique needs and skills.
Address
Castlebrae Business Centre, 40 Peffer Pl, Edinburgh, EH16 4BB
Phone number
07540920194
Email
Metteroma.skjoldager@actionforchildren.org.uk
Website
www.actionforchildren.org.uk
What type of support?
  • Improving and developing skills / training
  • CV, job searching and interview support
  • In work support to keep current job or find new work
  • Health and wellbeing support
  • Coaching and mentoring
Who is the support for?
  • Carer
  • Parent
  • Affected by substance misuse
  • Currently am or have been in care
  • Disabled and/or deaf person
  • From ethnic minority background
  • Homeless or in temporary accommodation
  • Long-term health condition or mental health issues
  • Unemployed for longer than 12 months
  • Criminal convictions
Age group
  • 16-19
  • 20-24
Areas covered
  • North-West
  • South-East
  • South-West
  • North-East
Pipeline stage
  • 1 - referral and engagement
  • 2 - assessment
  • 3 - vocational activity
  • 4 - employer engagement and job matching
  • 5 - in work support and aftercare