Caring for our young people is rewarding

Kibble chief on charity’s new trainee programme

Paisley charity Kibble is appealing for workers looking for a career change during the pandemic to consider a role supporting young people in care.

As the furlough scheme draws to an end, many employees face the prospect of redundancy, while some have decided they are no longer fulfilled within their pre-pandemic role and are looking for a new career path.

A recent Aviva survey found that more than half of UK workers plan career changes in next 12 months, while more than two million workers hope to find a new role which helps others.

Specialist child and youth care provider Kibble is looking to fill its Child and Youth Care trainee programme, offering a position to work in a caring industry, supporting young people in need of therapeutic care.

The charity and social enterprise provides essential care and education for children and young people from the age of five through to 26, many of whom have experienced adversity or trauma.

The scheme offers a year- long position, including residential placements. Extensive training will be provided throughout.

Applicants are offered personal mentoring, guidance and support as they work towards a HNC in Social Services, with the opportunity to gain a permanent role at the end of the course.

Kibble is calling for people with life experience to get in touch and find out more about the essential care roles, which are based in Paisley.

Recent recruits on the programme include a former lifeguard, restaurant manager, personal trainer, florist, mechanic, builder, construction worker and social sciences graduate – demonstrating the variety of experience deemed as beneficial to the role.

Jim Gillespie, CEO of Kibble, said: “During the pandemic, we’ve seen a trend of people looking for a more fulfilling role where they can help those in need.

“People have decided they don’t want to return to their old job, or they have unfortunately found themselves out of work, and are thinking of what to do next.

“The child and youth care trainee programme gives people the chance to make the rewarding career change they’ve been looking for with the peace of mind they will have an income while learning on the job.

“Quite often, people don’t think they have the skills to work as a carer or the experience they need to be successful.

“However, we find that it is the drive to give young people a chance at life that makes a great carer – whether their background is a mechanic, hospitality worker or stay at home parent.

“We look forward to hearing from people who are ready to take the next step towards a more fulfilling role.”

For more information and to apply, visit www.kibble.org/vacancies/traineechild-and-youth-care-worker-2/

People are looking for a more fulfilling role where they can help those in need