Fifteen unemployed people graduated today from our KDS Renfrewshire Care Academy which was held at the David Lloyd Centre in Paisley. There are over 90 years of unemployment between the candidates and today was significant event for all as it marked each individual’s achievement. As a result of the programme most candidates have been offered employment, with interviews pending for the rest of the group. The four week training course involves giving underpinning knowledge relevant to SVQ mandatory units in Adult Care. The Mandatory Units that are delivered consist of Manual Handling, First Aid, Food Hygiene and handling and Fire Safety. Most candidates have been offered employment, with interviews pending for the rest of the group. KDS Training is based in Paisley is currently in partnership with Renfrewshire Workforce Plus and Job Centre Plus. We also have successful working relationships with Independent Living Services Scotland (ILS) and Allied who facilitate Domiciliary Care. We also have good relations with Bupa, Southern Cross and Four Seasons, to name but a few. The KDS Academy is the initiative created by Stevie Kidd, who set up the firm in 2004. KDS is also an accomplished distribution company. Roger McGeachin, Employability Engagement Officer at KDS says “People who have been unemployed for a number of years usually find that they lack confidence, motivation and often self belief. Our unique Academy equips people with the tools to overcome these barriers and helps them to build a positive future in their working and personal lives”. This KDS principle is to ‘always achieve the grade higher than excellence’ and we apply this to each and every Academy.