A TASTE of the wide range of career options in childcare will be given at a series of courses being held across the region to encourage more people to work in this growing sector, reports KAREN MORLEY.

From tomorrow (Thursday), and running until September 21 at Kendal College, Cumbria Sure Start is running another Making Choices course. The course aims to encourage more people to consider a career in childcare so recruitment into the childcare sector can continue to meet the growing demand for childcare from parents in the county.

The free four-day Making Choices' course gives those interested information on all the career choices and the training and qualifications on offer. Courses are held in local and convenient places across Cumbria and the hours fit around the school run! Those attending are also able to visit local childcare providers to see for themselves what it's like to work in the sector. Crche facilities will be available for those who need it.

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education, said: "Childcare is expanding rapidly because of the Government's National Childcare Strategy. It is the second fastest growing industry sector in the country. Now more childcare workers are needed to work in this challenging and rewarding industry. Cumbria Sure Start develops innovative and practical ways of raising local awareness and supporting people through the process of considering working within the childcare sector. These courses aim to provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds and ages, qualified and unqualified, to consider becoming a paid worker or even a volunteer in any aspect of working with children in childcare settings."

Gill Wadeson, Training and Personnel Admin-istrator for Cumbria Sure Start, said: "So far more than 130 people have attended the Making Choices course throughout the county since we started in autumn 2003 and some courses are already booked up in this next series. Many of the people who have been through the course have now started additional training and doing voluntary work to help them get into a childcare career. We welcome people on the course from under-represented groups in the industry such as older people, men, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minorities."

l There are many more courses running across the county in autumn 2004 and courses will be announced for winter 2004/5 soon. For more information on courses, and to book a place, contact Cumbria Sure Start on 01228 -601161.