Harry changed his career to become a Child and Youth Care Worker through one of our traineeship programmes and has now been a valuable Kibble staff member for over 10 years. He has worked across a variety of our services including the Safe Centre, early years and with 17– 26 year-olds, who are part of our young workforce development programme. Harry would not change a thing about his time at Kibble.
What did you do before Kibble?
Previously, I worked for Inverclyde Council for 25 years within the leisure facilities.
How long have you worked at Kibble?
10 years!
What made you want to work for Kibble?
I spotted a Kibble job advert recruiting trainee Child and Youth Care Workers. If successful, it would involve gaining HNC and HVQ qualifications. The job advert asked if I was willing to give up weekends and seemed more interested in hearing about my life experiences rather than existing qualifications. The job advert immediately stood out to me as working at the leisure centre I had experience being around young people.
I was fully prepared to commit to the Kibble job requirements of shift work, studying and training. I had support from my family and friends who told me I could do it and I thought, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Can you give us an overview of your role at Kibble and what area you work in? Please explain about the service?
I am a Child and Youth Care Worker for the early years in a 5-bedded care house. At Kibble, we’re aware of the impact trauma can have on young people and provide trauma-informed care. Our care plan is recommended by social workers.
I support young people from as young as 5 years old through living and education. Kibble’s therapeutic primary school, Forest View, lets the young people have continuity between education and living in care. They recognise familiar faces and have extra support throughout their daily lives.
I find Kibble aspirational, it is always growing to provide all the services that our young people of all ages need.
What is the best thing about working in Kibble? Tell us one thing you love about your job?
Every day is different. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to work across Kibble’s various services including the Safe Centre, early years and working with 17 – 23 year-olds who are part of our young workforce development programme.
I enjoy change and find new challenges motivating. Kibble has broadened my horizons and I appreciate every moment.
Can you share a defining moment or story about your time at Kibble?
The first young man I was a key worker for still keeps me updated on his life. He phones constantly with news and for catchups to tell me about what he is up to.
The fact we have a friendship to this day now he is older and has a child of his own, makes me realise how big an impact I had on his life while he was growing up. It reminds me that what I do every day is meaningful.
Please complete the following statement using one word – “Kibble Inspires…”
Kibble Inspires… Opportunity