Kingdom Housing Association’s Support and Care Service are providing student placements for local people, training for careers in the field of Social Care.

Students from Fife College’s Higher National and National Certificate programme will take up placements in Kingdom services during the autumn months.

Elaine Fisher from Inverkeithing, who is about to commence a placement in one of the association’s West Fife services said: “I am really excited about my placement, my lecturer told me about this opportunity with Kingdom and I can’t wait to get started, I hope to work in the field of housing support once I gain my qualification.”

Elaine and her classmates will be with Kingdom until May 2016. The students will work alongside staff in the provision of quality housing support and care services to supported individuals in their own homes. Kingdom’s aim is to provide a worthwhile experience with varied opportunities for new learning and development in a person centred environment.

Many of the students balance their studies with work experience, by joining Kingdom’s bank staff, giving the perfect combination of qualifications and experience when entering the jobs market.

Coordinator Sheila Breen, who manages one of Kingdom’s services in West Fife and has supported student placement for many years, said: “Kingdom’s proactive approach to student placements provide a positive learning environment, students can gain hands-on practical experience to back-up their classroom learning and it is a joy to watch their journey.”

Norah Smith, director of housing and care, added: “The Support and Care service recognises the need to encourage people to work in the field of Health and Social Care. We work closely with Scottish Universities, Fife Colleges and local work based training initiatives to offer students, progression from qualifications in Social Work and Support and Care, through placements within our services. By investing in students we are investing in and building the workforce of the future.”

@kingdom_ha