They have covered Care, Distribution and Multi Sectors.
The first Academy, for Distribution, was launched in November 2008.
Despite the tougher economic times in the Highlands, and further afield, KDS’s first Training Academy in Inverness was an outstanding triumph. Eight individuals, with over 14 years of unemployment between them, were able to find jobs.
The next Academy, in June 2009, was Multi-Sector. Working with Jobcentre Plus and the Highland Employer Coalition, prospective candidates were invited to attend an Open Day where an outline of the 4 week course was presented. 10 lucky candidates were selected to attend the intensive course.
The four essential mandatory training units included Elementary Food Hygiene, H&S at Work, Fire Warden and First Aid Appointed Person. This comprehensive training program assisted the candidates in securing future employment. Specific targeted training complimented by short work placements also gave the candidates a real insight to their chosen sector.
In addition to this, KDS Training Academy’s unique attention to soft skills, including Life Coaching and personal development work, supplied our candidates with a well rounded set of personal and professional skills.
We were delight to report that nine candidates completed the course. Four were successful, even before the completion of the course, in securing employment with the other five gaining full-time employment at the end of the course.
KDS continues to run the Training Academies, in partnership with Highland Employer Coalition and Jobcentre Plus, and employment rates remain high.
KDS Training were also honoured to win a Highland Diversity Awards in May 2009.