Kaleb
Foundation ApprenticeSocial Services: Children and Young People
His family inspired him to choose a Foundation Apprenticeship – now Kaleb Mbise has landed his dream role in childcare.
Kaleb's journey
Kaleb was raised in a family of social workers. Growing up, he often listened to his mum, gran and stepdad trade stories about the rewards of working with young people.
So, it wasn’t long before Kaleb considered following a similar career path. Having volunteered in a local youth café for four years, he jumped at the chance to choose a Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services: Children and Young People.
Dumbarton-based Kaleb completed the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside his Highers. He said, ‘I just love working with children. The Foundation Apprenticeship gave me a real insight into childcare and confirmed it was something I wanted to do.’
Kaleb's apprenticeship
Within his family, Kaleb had plenty of experienced childcare professionals to turn to for guidance. Although, the Foundation Apprenticeship gave him a real-life taste of the role.
And within the first few weeks of his placement at Bellsmyre Early Education Centre, Kaleb knew his future lay in childcare.
The 18-year-old impressed senior members of staff with his knowledge and strong communication skills. Kaleb’s colleagues trusted him to plan and lead a range of activities, and to deal confidently with any challenges that arose.
In fact, Kaleb enjoyed his placement at Bellsmyre so much that he volunteered to work extra hours whenever he had spare time!
How did the Foundation Apprenticeship compare to your other school subjects?
Tell us about the experience you gained through your Foundation Apprenticeship!
What was the inspiration behind your decision to work in childcare?
My family are all social workers and I thought it was something I wanted to get into. When I saw the Foundation Apprenticeship, I knew it’d be a good idea.
Kaleb
Foundation Apprentice, Social Services: Children and Young People
The future
Thanks to his Foundation Apprenticeship, Kaleb has developed a full-time career in childcare.
The teenager progressed straight into a Modern Apprenticeship, where he works as a childcare practitioner at the Andrew Cameron Early Learning and Childcare Centre. Kaleb credits his Foundation Apprenticeship with giving him the skills and experience needed to secure the role.
In 2025, Kaleb’s outstanding work was celebrated at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. The former Dumbarton Academy pupil was named as Scotland’s Foundation Apprentice of the Year.
West Dunbartonshire Council Working4U Foundation Apprenticeship Mentor Tracy Monaghan said, ‘Kaleb excelled at his work placement and clearly loves working with young children.’
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