The 1st Steps to Childcare course is to upskill and train parents to a level where they are work ready and have the appropriate skill set, knowledge and a work-based qualification which will allow them the opportunity to apply for either a Support Practitioner/Support Worker/Nursery Assistant, or a Child Development Officer (CDO) position within an Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) setting. Candidates are recruited via ELC and partnership settings, with referrals made by Head Teachers and Management Team. Referrals are all linked in with Glasgow Life Family Finances Key Workers (FFKW). Training starts with a 6-month introductory course at college, with a day a week volunteering placement in an ELC/Partnership nursery, followed by a year- long course with a Training Provider to gain SVQ Level 2 Social Services (Children and Young People). If the candidate wishes to progress further, they can then study for a further year to gain SVQ Level 3 Social Services (Children and Young People).