The first apprentices hired as part of a recruitment drive to deliver more childcare in Moray have taken up their posts.
Up to 120 more staff are needed by the council before August 2020 as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to double the amount of free hours available for three and four-year-olds.
Last week, five apprentices took up posts at nurseries across the region as part of on-the-job training to become qualified practitioners.
Mhairi McCallum, from Dallas, has taken up a position at St Gerardine Primary School’s nursery.
She said: “I’ve been working with children for a couple of years in a support worker role so this opportunity to gain my qualification while working in a nursery was too good to miss out on.”
Sonya Warren, chairwoman of the council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “The modern apprentice roles gives the council the opportunity to train staff who can go on to enjoy a successful and progressive early learning and childcare career here in Moray.”
First apprentices take up roles in Moray as part of childcare expansion