A FORMER betting shop manager has become an odds-on favourite with nursery pupils after landing a modern apprenticeship role.

East Renfrewshire Council has taken on 14 early learning and childcare modern apprentices this year as part of its drive to increase its early years workforce in preparation for doubling the amount of free nursery provision available across the area by August 2020.

Ross McIntosh started his role at Crookfur Nursery, in Newton Mearns, in October – and children there are already looking up to the 6ft 4ins-tall apprentice.

The 31-year-old, who has taken on a wide range of roles since leaving school, now believes he has found “the perfect job” and is looking forward to developing his career within the sector.

He said: “I left school and had no idea what I wanted to do. I started a job in a call centre and then managed a betting shop, did security at the London 2012 Olympics, as well as others, but last year I decided it was time for a change.

“I was really interested in starting a career in early years because I thought it would be extremely rewarding. I initially considered a college course but, when the chance came up to do this modern apprenticeship, I jumped at it, as it gives me a chance to get hands-on experience, whilst also gaining a qualification which will hopefully allow me to move on to a child development officer role.”

Barrhead News: Harrison Ross is among those who have been looking up to Ross McIntosh since he started his new role working with nursery children

Ross said it was the chance to help shape the learning of young people which really appealed to him when considering his next career move.

He added: “I’ve got a seven-year-old niece who I helped look after quite a lot when she was younger and I loved teaching her things and seeing her learn.

“When I was looking for a change of direction, I realised that early years is such a worthwhile career and something I really wanted to pursue.

“It’s really rewarding seeing the children progress and, at the end of every day, I go home feeling like I’ve made a difference and achieved something, which wasn’t the case in all my other jobs.”

The modern apprenticeship involves working in the nursery full-time, with one classroom-based day once a month to focus on a series of projects which must be completed as part of the qualification.

As a result of changes being introduced by the Scottish Government, the council must provide increased free childcare for all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds by 2020.

Local authorities currently provide 600 free hours and this will increase to 1,140 hours, which is in effect a rise to 30 hours per week – matching the amount of time children spend each week in primary school.

As well as this requiring the council to increase the number of nurseries, more than 100 additional child development officers will also be needed, with modern apprenticeships one of the approaches being used to plug the gap.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, East Renfrewshire’s education and equalities convener, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Ross has settled into his new chosen career so well and I’m sure the children are loving getting to know him.

“Early years is such a rewarding career and, with so many opportunities in the coming months, it really is a fantastic time to get involved.”