East Renfrewshire Council is to run a new training course for anyone interested in a career in the care sector.

The two-week Prepare to Care course, which is free of charge and open to all East Renfrewshire residents, will be hosted by the council’s employability service Work EastRen at its office in Lowndes Street, Barrhead, from Monday, January 9, until Thursday, January 19.

Funding for the training is being provided by the Scottish Government’s No-one Left Behind programme and the course will cover various aspects of care, emergency first aid, food safety and employability topics.

The first aid and food safety elements are both accredited qualifications.

Following the training, the team will be holding a care recruitment fair at the Barrhead Foundry on Wednesday, January 25, from 3pm until 6pm, where there will be a range of employers covering social care and care homes, including the East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Anyone who completes the course will be guaranteed an interview.

Councillor Danny Devlin, East Renfrewshire's environment convener, said: “A career in care is hugely rewarding – you provide a lifeline to vulnerable residents.

"If you’re interested in a role in care, I’d encourage you to get in touch with Work EastRen and sign up to the course.

"Whether you’re unemployed, looking to upskill or want a change in career, this training is a fantastic opportunity.”

For more details about the course or to sign up, send an email to worker@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 577 8438 before the deadline of Friday, January 6.