The Men into Early Education and Care co-ordinator will liaise with secondary schools and colleges offering the Skills for Work programme to persuade more male students to choose the childcare and early years module.
The co-ordinator will also oversee a skills seekers programme for male school leavers which delivers the SVQ level 2 in Early Years Care and Education, and develop introductory training sessions for unemployed men.
Head of educational provisions Murdo Maciver said, 'The co-ordinator will encourage partnership working between the education department and childcare employers, employment support agencies, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire and FE colleges.'
Stephen Whyteside, a 27-year-old early years worker at St Timothy's Nursery in Coatbridge, believes the post is a good idea.
He said, 'I became interested in childcare when I had a work placement in a council-run nursery as a fourth year pupil at Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld.
'I've spent the last seven years working with birth to five-year-olds and find it very rewarding. I would definitely encourage more men to think about a career in childcare. My salary is now comparable with many of my friends.'
For more information contact Jacquie McArthur, early years curriculum development officer, on 01236 812 726.
The co-ordinator will be employed on a fixed-term contract until March 2008.