The Happitots Training Company trains nursery nurses to SVQ levels 2 and 3 in childcare and education. It also runs courses in core skills such as numeracy, communication and problem solving.
Training is delivered at all 11 of the Happitots settings and is overseen by co-ordinator Karen MacKrimmon. She and the nursery managers assess students throughout their courses to ensure they meet the correct standards.
Ms MacKrimmon said, 'We decided to set up the company because there were a lot of young staff who had joined Happitots and needed to start their training. It was hard to find courses that were work-based and not college-based, so it seemed easiest to start our own.'
Happitots received funding through Scottish Enterprise to set up the company and went through the accreditation process with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to gain training status. The company started with 20 students and seven have already completed their training.
Ms MacKrinnon said, 'All the students are really enjoying the course because they can go into work and train at the same time. By training within the workplace, the students can put the theory into practice within their own nursery setting.
'There are also benefits for the Happitots chain. By delivering our own training we can have more say and set the exact high standards we want. We have also found that the students are keen to stay working for Happitots after their training is complete.'
