During the four week academy the participants gained knowledge and qualifications in manual handling, asbestos awareness, abrasive wheels and working at heights.

They also undertook the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training test and were this week presented with their CSCS cards.

The academy was organised by Fife Works, Kingdom Housing Association’s employability project, in partnership with Campion Homes.

Bill Banks, Kingdom Group chief executive, met the participants at their award ceremony where he congratulated them on gaining their qualifications.

The participants were aged 18-29 and all live in Fife. They will now undertake work experience placements on Kingdom sites during July.

Trainee Arran Dunn, a Kingdom Housing tenant from Glenrothes who took part in the Academy, said: “I thought the training section of the academy was really good and I’ve got a lot of new qualifications from it. The work placement with Campion Homes will be really good practical experience for me and will hopefully lead to something permanent.”

Fife Works is Kingdom Housing Association’s employability project and during 2016/17 the project has helped 366 people into employment.

Joanne Aitken, senior employability officer with Fife Works, explained: “The participants have all demonstrated exceptional levels of enthusiasm and commitment and confirmed the team would continue to work with them all to help them find permanent employment.”

Bill Banks thanked the Fife Works team for delivering a successful programme and Campion Homes, who offered the trainees the opportunities to gain work experience on a number of Kingdom’s development sites throughout Fife.