A NEW programme has been set up to encourage young unemployed people to go into childcare.

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Cymru has embarked on a new project to support unemployed young people into a career within the early years and childcare sector.

NDNA’s ‘Childcare Works’ programme provides supported employment to 32 participants aged 18 to 24 in three key areas to reduce the number of people not in employment, education or training (NEETS).

NDNA Cymru is supporting participants in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Rhonnda Cynon Taff by giving them a range of transferable skills and knowledge to enable them to secure employment or further training.

This project is supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

NDNA Cymru national manager, Sandra Welsby, said: “ This programme is ideal for young people who are interested in working in early years and childcare but are unsure of a route into the profession.

“It will allow them to find out more about what is involved in working in a childcare setting.”