Two students who took up work experience placements with Kingdom Support and Care (KSC) are celebrating after they secured full-time jobs with the subsidiary of Kingdom Housing Association which provides care and support services to around 260 supported individuals in Fife and Falkirk.

Jemma West and Katie Chalmers were given placements as part of their HNC studies and have now taken up support worker positions.

Katie said: “I am really excited to be joining the team on a permanent basis. My placement with Kingdom Support and Care allowed me gain experience in the field. After a few months, I grew in confidence and applied to join the bank staff so I also had the benefit of earning while I trained.”

Irene Goulbourn, who manages one of KSC’s services in East Fife and has supported student placement for many years, said: “Our proactive approach to student placements provides 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 from student to team member.”

Providing student placements for local people and training for careers in the field of social care is a key aim for the Kingdom Group. Students from Fife College’s Higher National and National Certificate programme take placements across all of Kingdoms support and care services, during the autumn months.

Kingdom works collaboratively with College Lecturers to ensure the student journey is a full and satisfying experience in a safe and person-centred environment.

Norah Smith, KSC director, said: “Our aim is to provide a worthwhile experience, with varied opportunities for students working alongside our staff in the provision of quality housing support and care providing opportunities new learning and development. By investing in students we are investing in and building the workforce of the future.”

KSC was formed as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and has been operating independently since 1st April 2017. In addition to the provision of care and support services, the new company is already making a contribution to the Kingdom Group’s aims of delivering wider economic and social benefits in addition to building affordable homes.