Trying to find a nanny position abroad?

[emlybemlybubblegum]

I am 20 years old and in my final months of CACHE level three diploma to become a qualified nanny. I have been searching for a nanny/au pair position but I'm finding it difficult and any help would be appreciated. I have been on several website for example Au Pair World and have had a lot of job offers but it seems a complicated way to get a position. Does anyone know of any other job routes I can take?

This summer I will be doing my second Camp America placement looking after disabled children and would love to do this as a nanny. Is there any agencies that would allow me to do this full time? Any advice would be really appreciated, thank you.

You should post this question on the forum on Nannyjob.co.uk, there are plenty of nannies working all over the world who I'm sure would be happy to give you first hand advice.

I found a position as an au pair through greataupair.com, found it easy to use.

References, that's what you need. My first nanny role was in Belgium, I took it one for less than half the pay of any subsequent role simply to get that first important reference. Make sure you get as many as you can, from the camps, from anyone you babysit for, personal ones from your tutors, anything. Look at your first job as an extension of your training, accept lower pay maybe or take a not quite perfect job in order to get that all important first live-in reference.

An Au Pair or Au Pair plus role is a good place to start, dedicated Au Pair sites a good place to look. After my initial job I did a few live-in in London then a year in Paris, I got that job through Simply Angelic from an ad they posted on Gumtree.

I'm not sure about abroad, but here there is an agency specialising in special needs called SNAP. But it is difficult, I applied to a role and they turned down my application even though I had two years special needs experience with a micro-preemie baby.

Oops I mis-read your OP as saying you only wanted to work abroad, no idea why I though that!

Doh it was the actual title. Ignore my ramblings!

My first job was in Belgium too :)

Everything Goldi has written is spot on. References are so important, and taking a lower paid first position is a rite of passage for any nanny I think.

Agree with posting on nannyjob messageboards for the range of experience there.

There are 3 ways to find a job: agency, internet, word od mouth. Agencies are likely to want experience and references. So many people can self recruit via the internet that agencies want premium candidates.

IME any first nanny job is unlikely to be your dream job. You can go abroad as an au pair and look for a job with more hours or responsibility. As a qualified candidate you have a headstart but you will still get a lowish wage. On the plus side you might be able to get better experience with a baby/large family/disabled children which then gives you a reference for your next job and you can work your way to what you want.

Thank you for all the advice everyone!
I will definitely post some information on nannyjob.co.uk.