Playwork now a sound career choice
It’s not just those working in the mainstream sport and leisure industry that will benefit from the new Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure.
As the Government’s extended schools agenda (where the school day is extended beyond thedelivery of the national curriculum) rolls out, so will the requirement for well trained play workers.
Developing a new career path
In the past, play workers – those working in the sector which falls between youth work and childcare, have seldom been considered when it comes to career development, but as the Government maintains its commitment to encourage those with dependent children back into the workplace, there must be qualified staff in place to provide afterschool and holiday care.
As an expert working in the Play Sector, Fiona Mortlock is passionate about developing a recognized career path for those wishing to enter this sector, which will sit within the Sport and Active Leisure Diploma.
Fiona is also chair of the SkillsActive Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure Steering Group.
She said: “Until recently, play workers were often regarded as the ‘poor relation’ with regard to skills. Some take jobs in the sector because they see it as ‘the only thing they can do’ to earn some money, but do parents actually want their children to be cared for by someone isn’t qualified, and do those who find themselves employed as play workers really want a job which doesn’t offer them the opportunity to develop their skills or improve their career? The diplomas for 14 -19 year olds will help to promote the understanding of the Playwork sector.”
Proper route to qualifications
Fiona is determined that the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure will allow young people who are considering working as play workers, a proper route to qualifications from NVQs right through to degree level if they wish.
New professionals
“Those who are developing qualifications as play workers are the ‘new professionals’. As the sector grows and takes shape, it needs well qualified individuals to support and guide its growth. When the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure is launched it will offer a real insight into the field of work (career) rather than it being perceived as just a part time job and whilst not everyone will want to progress right through their NVQs to a diploma or a degree, they will still be able to progress as far as they want at their own pace. The most important thing is that young people considering their future understand that this is a real career which can be pursued by those who learn better in a vocational environment as well as those who prefer the more academic route.”
Getting employers on board
Fiona feels that the biggest stumbling block to successful implementation of the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure will be getting employers on board.
“I am a firm believer in offering young people alternatives to classroombased qualifications if they prefer to learn in a vocational setting. That’s why I’m working with Skills Active to make sure that the true value of the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure is recognized and respected by both employers and young people.” Fiona Mortlock, Fiona Mortlock Consultants Ltd |
“Whilst local authorities are still the most significant providers of afterschool care, there are lots of smaller private and voluntary businesses in this sector. Many of these will be concerned about funding proper training and the cost that it will incur for their business. Our job is to demonstrate that unless they offer proper training they will not be able to attract the quality of staff required to make their business a success. However, we must also offer them information and support to encourage participation.”
Fiona points out that there are already massive skills shortages in this sector which should help to convince even the most reluctant employer that to attract the right staff, they will also need to offer relevant training.
Big ambitions
Fiona’s ambition for this diploma is that it should see the re-emergence of pride amongst those working in a sector which has not always been viewed by others as of great value.
“ It will also equip those who may not wish to go on to further education with a much better chance of finding employment as they will have some of the skills required by employers within their chosen sector.”
