Career with kids is child’s play for caring Kaleb after Foundation Apprenticeship
Dumbarton teenager Kaleb Mbise was inspired by his parents to choose a Foundation Apprenticeship in a caring role - and has now landed a job in his dream career as a childcare practitioner.
Kaleb completed a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Service: Children and Young People with a placement at Bellsmyre Early Education Centre in Dumbarton.
The 17-year-old, who was inspired by his parents’ caring roles in social work, progressed straight into a Modern Apprenticeship after his experience confirmed his own ambition to become a Childcare Practitioner.
Kaleb said: “I grew up around a caring style of work and I just love working with children and it’s great to see them grow and develop.
“The Foundation Apprenticeship gave me a real insight into childcare and confirmed that it was something I was passionate about and really wanted to do.
“My Foundation Apprenticeship helped me develop teamwork and communication skills, as well as being able to think on my feet and come up with solutions quickly.”
Kaleb successfully applied his knowledge and communication skills to plan a range of activities for the children and deal with any challenges that arose.
He is now thriving in his new role at Andrew Cameron Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Dumbarton.
Kaleb, who had already volunteered at a local youth café for four years, loved his placement so much he did extra hours whenever he had spare time, honing skills like critical thinking, communication and creativity.
He completed his Foundation Apprenticeship at Dumbarton Academy alongside Highers in English and Music.
Foundation Apprenticeships are made for business, to provide pupils with the skills employers need, offering industry insight to gain a work-based learning qualification from SCQF Level 4 up to the same level as a Higher.
Kaleb’s achievements have led to him being a finalist in the Foundation Apprenticeship of the Year category of the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.
Tracy Monaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council Working4U Foundation Apprenticeship Mentor, said: “Kaleb excelled at his work placement and clearly loves working with young children.
“He is enthusiastic, kind and determined and was able to draw on his learning around safeguarding when a child disclosed a matter of concern."
The winner of the Foundation Apprentice of the Year category will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which takes place 27 February in the run up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 to 7 March).