Employability Training Is Just The Job

Latest figures from Carnegie College show that in the current economic climate, more and more people are taking up learning and training opportunities at Carnegie College’s community learning and access centres across Fife. Carnegie College Assistant Head of School for Access & Communities, Rose Duncan, explains “We are experiencing more and more people coming to see us as a result of redundancies, or reduction in working hours with many recognising the important part education can play in supporting them quickly back onto the employment ladder. “Working collaboratively with local companies and partner organisations such as Fife Council, Job Centre Plus and Skills Development Scotland, our centres have pivotal roles in employability training across Fife.“ Rose went on to say “The loss of a job is a real shock and as well as the financial concerns it severely dents people’s confidence. Many adults are overwhelmed by prospects of returning to learning, often after several years. Our access centres and community learning centres allow those who may not be able to make it to the main college to take advantage of learning and training opportunities. Our friendly and experienced staff can quickly put all people at ease and build up their confidence.” One learner who has benefited from Carnegie’s employability training is 21 year old Alana Baker from Lochgelly. While spending time with her gran who was ill with terminal cancer, Alana’s interest in working in the care sector was rekindled. She heard about the pre-recruitment care course at the college’s Dunfermline Access Centre and decided to enrol. Alana describes her experience of the course, “I found the course really relevant to the type of work I was hoping to find. I’ve made some really good friends, and all the staff are friendly and welcoming. The course included a work placement in a local care home, and I was delighted when I was offered a job there when the placement ended. I eventually plan to go to university to study for a nursing degree once my daughter, Kasey, goes to school.” Pauline McEwan, matron/manager of Benore Care Centre in Lochore, who employed Alana, had this to say about the pre-recruitment care course at Carnegie, “As an employer I am looking for staff with a genuine desire to care and a willingness to learn. Students from this course are ready to ‘hit the ground running’ which saves me time and resources. I see the students at the beginning of their course, and the difference in self-esteem and confidence they have gained by the time they have completed is down to the training they are given. Three of my most valued employees have received training from Carnegie College, and I feel lucky to be involved with these courses.” Rose concluded “With the latest economic indicators pointing to even further rises in unemployment there are clearly more difficult times ahead and it is easy to lose heart very quickly. However, the good news is that there is real support and help available and I would encourage anyone who is worried to come and talk to us about their concerns.”