Steps to Work - Where are they now?

Our Steps to Work programme is about offering young people a safe place to explore their skill set and strengths, build confidence and start to feel empowered to make decisions for their future.

Our programme works at the pace of the person, as we believe everyone takes different steps towards their future. Some trainees take giant leaps toward their futures, and others take smaller, more gradual steps. But all trainees work towards the end goal of feeling work ready, and a symptom of that is gaining that paid job they have always dreamed of.

Rowan

We've had another fantastic result for Rowan, who was part of our city centre Cohort 19, only back in May. Rowan came to us with little confidence and no work experience. He has big dreams, but never thought he would achieve them. With support and guidance from his work coach Sarah, we were able to secure Rowan a placement at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Rowan impressed from the start and the team saw his potential. We are delighted that the Philharmonic have now offered Rowan a paid job. An above and beyond result for Rowan and Sarah.

Joe

Joe has been with us for some time now (since our first Wirral Cohort!) and has actively been trying to gain paid employment. Unfortunately, he had several months of falling at the last hurdle. Interview after interview, Joe was told 'no' and he was starting to lose hope. He worried that he would need to leave the programme before he could achieve his goal.

Joe's work coach Chris kept the faith though! Chris continued to fight for Joe, working hard to find other opportunities and keeping up his support. Chris found another interview for Joe, who was apprehensive that it would go the same way as all the others. But this time, he was successful!

Well done Joe!

Edward

Big shout out to Edward from Cohort 18, who has been offered a paid contract after his coaching placement. Based on how well he performed, Edward gained the confidence to apply for similar paid roles within the industry. With Chris' support, Edward was interviewed for and then offered a position as Learning Support Assistant, sports coaching SEN children. Edward has now achieved his dream of paving the way for a more inclusive approach to children with additional needs.

Samira

Samira has been on the programme since our Female Only Cohort last May and narrowly missed out on a Christmas temp job at John Lewis last year. Instead, she had a placement there which allowed her to gain experience working in retail during a busy Christmas period, followed by another placement at The Entertainer.

Fast forward a year, Samira had the experience, confidence and determination to apply for a paid Christmas job as John Lewis. And this time, she was successful! She starts her 28 hour per week contact in the next few weeks... 

Megan

It's been such a joy to see Megan achieve her dream of securing paid employment at John Lewis, working in their cafe. Over the last 12 weeks, Megan has been on a work placement at John Lewis and has grown in confidence and independence, mastering essential employability skills. With Sarah's support and guidance, Megan now shows true dedication and exceptional skills in teamwork and communication. Her hard work and positive attitude are a true inspiration, and we couldn't be prouder of what she has accomplished.

Alfie

Alfie came to the Steps to Work programme to develop his employability skills and identify his strengths. He completed the Work Readiness Course as part of Cohort 19 and did a work placement in the Strawberry Field shop. During this time he developed his customer service skills and found a passion for retail. Through the supportive environment at Strawberry Field, Alfie found the confidence to apply for a paid job in another retail role - and was successful!

Alfie recently got in touch with the team to say, "Thank you to all the amazing staff at Strawberry Field for helping me develop myself. You have all been amazing in every way. You are all a credit to Strawberry Field."

Jake

Last but certainly not least, Jake has now joined the Strawberry Field team on a relief contract. Jake was due to start this role over the summer, but a critical health scare meant this needed to be delayed. Jake was worried he would have to miss out on his dream of working at Strawberry Field, but Sue and the team made reasonable adjustments so he could join the team while prioritising his health. 

The above picture was taken at our 5th Birthday party and as per Strawberry Field tradition, Jake, the newest member of the team cut the cake. His smile says it all! Jake will also be out first trainee, to be a Steps ambassador, speaking to visitors about the programme and his story. Jake is such an advocate for Strawberry Field will be clear to see by all who visit.

Well done to all of our Steps to Work alumni on achieving their dreams!