Step Up For Work is a work programme for people with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs.
The innovative, personalised 12 month programme will help you gain skills and work experience in one of our social enterprises:
- Hanger Farm Arts Centre
- Furzey Gardens and tea rooms
- Minstead Lodge conference and wedding venue.
By the end of the course you will have learned about what it means to be in a paid job, got practical skills and be supported to find work or volunteering.
Download our leaflet
What I’ve learned in the workshops and on my work experience has helped me to get my very first paid job, with construction company Skanska.
Bob
Step Up For Work graduate
Five steps to employment success
1. Interests and skills
Talk to our Job Opportunities Mentor to see what skills and needs you might have and what type of employment you may be interested in.
2. Preparing for work
Up to 12 workshops on topics including workplace expectations, behaviour, health and safety, travel training and interviews.
3. Work experience
Up to 26 weeks of training in real-work situations in retail, catering and hospitality at one of Minstead Trust’s social enterprises.
4. Work placement
Supported employment with a local employer to develop your skills and readiness for work. Placements include hospitality, customer service and retail.
5. Permanent employment
Mentoring support to find paid employment or sustained volunteering.
ITV Meridian visits Bob at his new job with Skanska UK Ltd
All participants in our programme work very hard to learn work skills, undertake placements and work towards employment. This tailored approach to supporting individuals is paying off and helping them achieve their aim of living a more independent and fulfilled life. Bob has recently secured his first paid job and ITV Meridian went to see how he was getting on.