Aberdeenshire Council has urged more men to consider a career in the early learning and childcare sector.
Just 4% of the local early years workforce in the region is male, and the authority is keen to attract more men into the various posts soon to be available at nurseries across the region.
The council will be offering an Early Education and Men in Practice course, which will be delivered over eight sessions.
An information session will be held at Kintore Primary on October 2.
Audrey Hendry, lead officer for early years at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Increasing the number of men, and other underrepresented groups, in childcare means children will benefit from different perspectives and have more and diverse role models to look up to.
“The vast majority of our team are committed, wonderful women and we’re keen to welcome more positive male role models for our young people too.
“We’re keen to redress the balance and remind everyone early learning and childcare is absolutely a man’s world too.”
Vice-chairman of the council’s education committee, Mark Findlater, added: “I don’t think there’s a more important job out there than helping to give children the best possible start in life.
“Perhaps you’ve recently left school, college or university, or perhaps you’re looking for a change and want to make a difference.
“Attending the open evening is a chance to find out more – please go along if you can.”
The information session will run form 7pm-8pm. To find out more, e-mail earlyyears@aberdeenshire.gov.uk