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Step Up is a free 20 week programme that we design around participant needs and interests. At the end of the programme participants will have the skills and work experience that will help them find paid employment.

During the programme participants will:

  • Gain work placement experience;
  • Complete a learning programme and achieve accredited certificates;
  • Build up their CV;
  • Gain a valuable reference;
  • Have ongoing support throughout their development;
  • Build confidence and gain life skills;
  • Gain job application and interview techniques; and
  • Get help when leaving the programme and getting into work.
  

 

Employability support in Leeds

Adult and Community Learning Programme - http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Learning-Opportunities.aspx
Apprenticeships and Job vacancies in Leeds  - http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Jobs.aspx
Apprenticeship Hub  -  https://www.facebook.com/LeedsAppHub
Jobshops - http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Jobshops.aspx
Leeds Pathways - www.leedspathways.org.uk/work/
National Careers Service - www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
National Careers Service - www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Universal Jobmatch - www.gov.uk/jobsearch
Worldwide TEFL Jobs - www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-jobs-abroad
Workers Education Association - www.wea.org.uk/resources

July 2013 - Project Summary

The first year for StepUP has been very challenging. Both external factors such as the increased requirement for online job applications, as well as varying skills and needs of our clients have impacted the StepUP programme greatly. However, we were able to adapt to these factors due to our holistic support service which provides education, volunteering, debt advice, counselling and employability support.

Our StepUP programme has brought together our range of services to provide participants with a programme of learning, volunteering and employability support. Participants have taken part in literacy and IT classes, vocational training, accredited courses and completed a volunteer work placement.

Working in partnership with the National Careers Service and Job Centre Plus participants also receive careers advice, CV support and help searching and applying for jobs. Over the past 12 months we have had a lot of success delivering this programme, all participants have either completed the programme, been signposted to appropriate education or training, continued with support at St Vincent’s or moved in to employment.

We have found that this project was not a one size fits all and through the funding provided by Jimbo’s Fund, we have been able to provide provision through our volunteer and education department that meets different needs.

The journey to employment can require a different path depending upon the individual client and we have provided this in the form of work experience, learning and direct employability support. Some of our participants have needed to take part in all three areas, while others have needed specific support from a combination.

At times, improving CVs and offering sound careers advice has been enough, other participants have required hands on experience through volunteering to boost their CV and confidence, while others have taken part in accredited learning or improved their reading, writing and IT skills. All of this support leads to one destination; employment. Participants have found work in a range of industries from teaching to factory work. Some participants are working through the programme whilst others have moved on to further education and training.

April 2013 - 2 new accredited courses added - Introduction to Teamwork & Skills for Employability.

If you or someone you know would be interested in the Step Up prorgamme, you can download a poster and application form here. Participants can start the programme at a date to suit them. For more information call St Vincent’s on 0113 248 4126 or e-mail matthew.henderson@stvincents-svp.org.uk.

Update - March 2013

Over the past 6 months more than 20 people have found work through the StepUP programme. This includes support through volunteering, learning and our Work Club. Participants have found full time and part time work in many areas including social care, factory production, finance, office work, teaching and transport.

Volunteer Work Placements have included retail, teaching support, Information Advice and Guidance support, catering and warehouse support.

Participants have engaged in a learning programme which includes literacy and numeracy, IT, ESOL and Teaching ESOL. Students have gained OCN accredited certificates in Team Work Skills and Employability Skills as well as Health and Safety and Food Hygiene.

Our Work Club has worked with over 150 people providing careers advice, resources and support for developing CVs, searching for jobs and preparing for interviews. This has been achieved working in partnership with Job Centre Plus Outreach and the National Career Service Community Walk-in Pathfinder Project.

We have also worked with a number of local employers including Ring Automotive, Barclays, British Gas, Eversheds and Country Style Foods.

Step UP is a free service, with thanks to the funding given to St Vincent's by Leeds Community Foundation.