BORDERERS considering a career change are being encouraged to consider a job in childcare.

The Scottish Government has launched 'A Job and a Joy' – a recruitment campaign urging people to think about a career in the childcare sector.

Children’s Minister Maree Todd said: “Working with children is varied, enjoyable and meaningful, and this is the focus of our ‘A Job and A Joy” campaign.

"We know that when people consider changing career, achieving a good work life balance is essential alongside rewarding work.

"Our expansion of funded early learning and childcare will create up to 11,000 high quality and well-paid jobs across Scotland by 2020.

"A career in childcare is more than ‘just a job’, with opportunities for flexible working and career progression.

"I urge those who are looking for a change of career to seriously consider a role in childcare.”

The campaign supports the Scottish Government’s pledge to increase the hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare available to families in Scotland to 1,140 by 2020.

Career changers will be targeted across Scotland over the next month, a time of year when many people think about changing their job, as the next phase of the childcare recruitment campaign 'A Job and a Joy' launches.

There is a range of jobs available, with training and development opportunities for a career in which individuals can “earn as they learn”.

For more information visit www.childcarecareersscotland.scot