Becoming an Au Pair is a cheap way to spend some time abroad and to study a local language on a part-time basis.
Au Pair posts in families are usually intended for young girls aged between 18-27.
An au pair should expect to do light housework such as cleaning, dusting, shopping and taking care of the children in return for lodgings, board and pocket money. The status of the au pair is that of a family member and not a domestic.
Jobs may be advertised in local and national newspapers, and through specialist au pair recruitment agencies.
Its important to find a reliable recruitment Agency. Both the International Au Pair Association and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation are useful sources of help and advice for au pairs.
Although no academic qualifications are needed to become an au pair, a good standard of literacy and numeracy is often required. So it can be useful to have at least three or four GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), preferably including English and maths.
Further qualifications might include:
There are numerous qualifications that au pairs can study for. Information on relevant qualifications can be found on the Early Years & Playwork Qualifications Database at http://eypquals.cwdcouncil.org.uk - click on 'Practitioner'.
Contact local colleges for details of courses and qualifications available locally.
An au pair should:
With qualifications and sufficient childcare experience individuals can set up their own childcare nurseries.
It may be possible to train for related careers such as teaching, lecturing and social work for people with the right qualifications.
There may even be opportunities to work abroad, in large hotels and holiday centres and on cruise ships.

Dog Trainers, also known as dog behaviourists and dog instructors, teach a wide variety of techniques to domestic and working dogs, as well as their owners and handlers.
Domestic dog trainers may run a series of classes or even provide one-to-one support to teach recreational and general obedience skills.
Previous experience in animal care and training is a definite advantage if you want to train dogs as your profession.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) 15 Welbeck Street, London W1G 9XT
Tel: 020 7009 2100
Website: www.rec.uk.com
International Au Pair Association,
Store Kongensgade 40 H,
DK-1264 Copenhagen K,
Denmark
Tel: +45 3317 0066
Website: www.iapa.org
Additional resources for job seekers and those already in a job.
Search for the latest vacancies and salaries
Successful interview techniques
XHTML1.0 | CSS | © 2004-2010 Input Youth. Hosted by Fast2Host All rights reserved. Legal Info. Top of Page
Youth Service ICT
Site News
Here are a few additional resources for job seekers and those already in a job.