Care training course helps unemployed people back into work

JEAN Donnelly had been a stay-at-home mum-of-four for 28 years when she decided to take the plunge and get a job. But with the recession and little work experience to her name, the Ferguslie Park woman was struggling.

So when staff at Jobcentre Plus in Paisley recommended a KDS Training course in care, she jumped at the chance.

Four weeks later, she is about to start work at her first job in nearly three decades.

She said: “I never really worked, I stayed at home with the kids while my husband went out to work.

“We split up and I was on benefits but I wanted to get back into work.

“I went into the job centre and they suggested KDS Training to me.

“I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s been brilliant. Just meeting everybody, going to the classes and meeting all the other people.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence in myself.”

Jean raised Richard, 28, Daniel, 25, Steven 20 and Kevin 15 and the youngest three still live with her at home.

She’s waiting on her Disclosure Scotland form to be approved before she can take up a part-time role that has been offered to her at Westerfield Care Home in Paisley.

“I’m looking forward to that. It gives me something to get up for and I enjoy caring for people, that’s what I have done all these years with the boys.”

KDS Training is supported by Renfrewshire Workforce Plus, a community partnership made up of various partners including Jobcentre Plus, NHS Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and Reid Kerr College.

They held an open day at the Jobcentre Plus in Paisley and of the 40 folk who came along interested in the four-week care course, 14 signed up and graduated at an special ceremony at the David Lloyd Centre in Paisley.

Anne Barlow, 43, from Renfrew was laid off from her job as a nail technician last year.

She said: “I had always wanted to do care but I’d never really managed to get anything.

“The job centre recommended this course to me and it’s been brilliant. I’ve learned a lot about myself and about other people.

“Everybody on the course got on really well and I’m sure we’ll all stay in touch.

“The KDS team were amazing too. It’s more about life coaching than training.

“It’s made a really difference to me, definitely. Before I would get application forms and look at them but wouldn’t know how to fill them in.

“Now I know what to write and it has helped a lot.

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“I would recommend this course to anyone who’s looking to work in the care sector.”

Lead trainer for the care course, Alison Gilbert, said: “The course equips students to start their SVQ level two in social care.

“Of the 14 who completed the course, 13 have received job offers and the 14th is waiting on interview feedback.

“KDS has built up relationships with potential employers. We don’t get people a job, they have to do that themselves, but we do ask them to be open minded enough to take people who might not have desirable skills but have transferable skills.”

John Cassidy, 49, from Barrhead worked as a security guard for 10 years and went to college a year ago after being made redundant.

He studied for an HNC in health care at Reid Kerr College but struggled to find work afterwards.

He said: “I’ve done several courses recommended by job centres but they don’t come close to this one.

“They concentrate on your whole person, your attitude to life and your lifestyle.

“For example they concentrated on your fitness and we had a healthy eating session at the David Lloyd.

“It’s really changed me in the last few weeks, definitely. I can’t praise it enough.

“The staff will support you afterwards which is good to know. They are taking me through to Motherwell for a job interview soon which is fantastic.”

Andrew Craig, head of training for KDS, said: “Last year we ran 17 courses and helped get 130 people back into work.

“We class ourselves as a unique trainer. We don’t just look at soft skills, we also look at life skills.

“Our courses cover everything from financial issues, literacy and numeracy to accessing childcare and improving your confidence.”

For more information about KDS Training, pop into your local Jobcentre Plus office or go to the website, www.kdstraining.com