Lone parents in Dartford are being given the chance of a career in childcare, thanks to Kent Adult Education and Equal Vocational Opportunities Learning Advice and Employment(Evolve).

The young parents have already taken part in free education sessions on paediatric first aid at Temple Hill Healthy Living Centre and are now going to gain work experience as volunteers in the SureStart Nursery, Temple Hill, Dartford.

Evolve was set up back in 2004 by Kent County Council (KCC) thanks to a grant from the European Social Fund.

Partners include Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership, the Prince's Trust and the Kent Adult Education Service.

The aim of the group is to combat discrimination and promote equality in the workplace, as well as pilot support mechanisms to help specific groups into work.

The project focuses on the more deprived districts in Kent, such as Dartford, and promotes the employability of disadvantaged groups through three types of services: vocational training, mentoring and advice and guidance.

Paul Melvin, lone parent adviser at Dartford Job Centre, said: "Childcare is a popular profession for young mums and this Evolve project gives the extra bit of help they may need to get started.

"It also gives me the chance to come along to advise the students on the kinds of job grants available to people coming off benefit and going into work."

Maria Mills, from Greenhithe, was introduced to the course by Paul and says it has given her more confidence and self-esteem and is happy there is this kind of training available.

She said: "I left school at sixteen and tried many careers but always wanted to go back into education.

"There was a time when you were able to walk from one job to another, but I've been out of work for two years now. I found I needed qualifications if I wanted a decent job and some way of showing I was willing to do what is needed.

"This course is ideal. I'd love to go into childcare and I'm going on to do literacy and numeracy courses next, then hopefully enter a career in childcare."

For further information, call 07774 554189 or Paul at the Dartford Job Centre on 01322 484500.