Margaret Strong: A Career Change Success Story in Childcare
A Leap of Faith at 55: Margaret’s Inspiring Journey
Changing careers can be daunting at any age, but Margaret Strong is proof that it’s never too late to follow your passion, read on to hear more about this career change success story in childcare!. At 55, after 22 years in factory work, she took a leap of faith and transitioned into childcare, a field she had always dreamed of working in. Today, she is thriving as a Room Leader at Clearly Kids Lisburn—and her career change success story is nothing short of inspiring.
From Factory Work to Childcare: How It All Began
For most of her adult life, Margaret worked in a factory while raising her three daughters. But once her youngest went off to university, she knew it was time for a change. She spotted a job advert from Clearly Kids Lisburn looking for nursery assistants—no experience necessary—and decided to apply. Despite some initial self-doubt about her age, Margaret was delighted to secure the role!
Around the same time, All Age Apprenticeships became available, allowing anyone working 21 hours or more in the industry to earn a fully funded NVQ qualification. This was the perfect opportunity for Margaret to gain professional training while working, setting her on a brand-new career path.
Studying with People 1st: Support Every Step of the Way
Margaret began her studies at the Dairy Farm campus, enrolling in Essential Skills courses in ICT, Maths, and English before progressing to her Level 2 NVQ in Childcare. With encouragement from her **People 1st tutors—Jennifer, Paul, and Kate—**and the unwavering support of her manager Shauna, Margaret successfully completed her Level 2 qualification and has now moved on to her Level 3 Childcare Diploma alongside Level 2 Maths and English.
💬 “At first, the thought of studying again was overwhelming. Even setting up Zoom for my classes was a challenge! But my tutor Jennifer Boyle was so patient and supportive. The staff at People 1st are so down-to-earth—it’s nothing like school, and that really helped me relax and enjoy learning again.”
Thriving in Childcare: Career Change Success with Purpose
Margaret has truly found her calling in childcare. Now a Room Leader for the 3-4-year-olds, her days are filled with planning engaging activities, ensuring health and safety, and guiding her team members. She also loves getting involved in hands-on activities with the children, such as:
🎨 Messy play (painting, slime, junk art)
🌱 Gardening (planting spring bulbs)
🛁 Making bath bombs and friendship bracelets
🚀 Outdoor play and exploration
One of Margaret’s favorite things about her job is the special connection she builds with the children. 💕 “They almost see me as their granny, and that actually works in my favour! They listen, respect me, and we have so much fun together.”
A Manager’s Perspective: Margaret’s Impact at Clearly Kids
Margaret’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Her manager at Clearly Kids Lisburn, Shauna Broderick, shared her thoughts on Margaret’s journey:
“Margaret has worked for Clearly Kids, Lisburn for 3 years now. She is a great asset to our team, she goes above and beyond to provide a high standard of care for the children.
She is always keen to lend a helping hand, she has developed a strong bond with both the children and the parents and she is always keen to learn. We are delighted she is progressing so well on her Level 3 program.” — Shauna Broderick, Nursery Manager
Returning to education after more than two decades in a completely different field wasn’t without its challenges. Margaret initially felt nervous about studying again, particularly in subjects like maths and ICT. However, the supportive environment at People 1st and the encouragement from her tutors Paul, Kate and Jennifer helped her gain confidence in her abilities.
“I never thought I’d be able to go back to studying, but the team at People 1st made it so much easier. The classes are structured in a way that makes learning engaging and accessible, even if you’ve been out of education for years,” says Margaret.
The Rewarding Experience of Working in Childcare
Margaret’s transition into childcare has been deeply fulfilling. She finds immense joy in helping young children learn, grow, and develop in their early years. Her hands-on experience in the nursery has reinforced her belief that she made the right career move. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child achieve a milestone, knowing you played a small part in their journey,” she shares.
Her hard work and dedication have now earned her the position of Room Leader, where she mentors newer staff, helps implement learning activities, and ensures the highest standards of care in the nursery.
Advice to Others Considering a Career Change
Margaret’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. For those considering a career change, she has some words of encouragement:
Believe in yourself – Age is just a number; don’t let it hold you back.
Take advantage of training opportunities – Fully funded apprenticeships and skills programs can open doors to new careers.
Seek support – Whether it’s from tutors, employers, or family, having a support system makes the transition easier.
Margaret’s journey proves that career change is possible at any stage of life. She encourages anyone considering a move into childcare—or any new career—to go for it.
💡 “I had 13 years left before retirement, and I just couldn’t see myself staying in the factory. Childcare keeps me young, active, and happy. The days fly by, and I love what I do. If you’re thinking about a career change, don’t let fear hold you back—just take that first step!”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Childcare
Margaret is now fully focused on completing her Level 3 qualification, which will allow her to take on even greater responsibilities within the childcare sector. She is excited about the future and hopes to inspire others to take a leap of faith and follow their dreams—no matter their age.
Her story is a shining example of resilience, determination, and the power of continuous learning. With the right mindset and support, anything is possible
Margaret, we are so proud of your achievements, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for you! 🎉👏
Interested in career change success in childcare like Margaret?
Are you thinking of making a career change or up-skilling in childcare? People 1st offers fully funded apprenticeships and training programs to help individuals like Margaret achieve their career goals. Contact us today to find out more! https://people-1st.co.uk/programmes/apprenticeships-ni/
Changing careers can be daunting at any age, but Margaret Strong is proof that it’s never too late to follow your passion. At 55, after 22 years in factory work, she took a leap of faith and transitioned into childcare, a field she had always dreamed of working in.
