Supporting lone parents through employability placements

Greener Kirkcaldy recently appointed three new staff in partnership with Fife Gingerbread.  

Chloe Mcmaster, Jamie Garner, and Keith Greenslade have joined us on an initial six-month placement as part of the Life Chances: Lone Parent Traineeships. This is a Fife Council-funded programme that supports lone parents to re-enter the workforce.  

Our new colleagues enjoyed an extensive four-week induction to support them with skills before joining Greener Kirkcaldy as full members of staff.  

Greener Kirkcaldy’s Chief Executive Lauren Brook said: “One of our core values is supporting our community to choose their own goals. Working with Fife Gingerbread has given us a fantastic opportunity to support people who were struggling to find work that meets their needs.  

“All three staff have made a terrific start to their placements. We provided them with a full induction to help them settle into working life and get to know their teams. They are making a positive difference to our work already.   

“As an employer it’s important to us that we are as flexible as we can be. This helps ensure that people stay with Greener Kirkcaldy through the challenges that life brings and that we benefit from their skills and experience.” 

Louise Park, Project Coordinator at Fife Gingerbread said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Greener Kirkcaldy as part of our lone parent employability initiative. Employers play a crucial role in removing barriers for lone parents returning to work, and it’s been inspiring to see Greener Kirkcaldy step up with such commitment and care. This is the first time we’ve launched this programme with a third sector organisation and their support has been exceptional.” 

Jamie Garner, Admin Assistant

“I took on this placement as a single dad, parenting full time alone, because the hours fitted in with my parental responsibilities. This also gave me a chance to enhance skills and knowledge that I gained over the last three years at college.  

“This gives me a chance to gain experience and transferable skills. I am enjoying the workplace culture, Greener Kirkcaldy treats its staff with respect and shows a high interest in taking care of my wellbeing and the wellbeing of the local community.” 

Chloe Mcmaster, Communications Assistant

“I am a lone parent of two boys and I was looking for a job that worked around my other commitments. Taking on the placement has given me a routine and made a positive effect on my outside life.  

“Working for Greener Kirkcaldy has given me the chance to develop skills and learn from other colleagues. My confidence is growing as the weeks go on. Fife Gingerbread and Greener Kirkcaldy have made me feel at ease coming back to work. They have taken care of me and showed understanding that I am eager for a career.” 

Keith Greenslade, Assistant Bike Mechanic

“This is a supported placement for me allowing me to work around school hours. Being a single parent full time and having to rely on public transport made it very difficult for me to find employment.  

“I’m thoroughly enjoying being back in a supportive workplace and being able to sustain a routine. Joining Greener Kirkcaldy has put me in a better financial situation that will allow me and my son to take part in more activities together. For example, travelling to football games.” 

Employability at Greener Kirkcaldy

These placements are one way in which Greener Kirkcaldy is increasing our work to support employability in Fife. We have more than 120 volunteers and offers a wide range of skills training in its community kitchen, training garden and active travel hub.  

We have partnered with the King’s Trust on a programme supporting local people to explore careers in sustainability. And long-serving staff member Geraldine O’Riordan was appointed as the our first Employability Coordinator earlier this year.