Everyone starts somewhere

There is a moment at the beginning of every career that often goes unspoken. Before the confidence, the experience and the fancy the job title, there was someone who took a chance on you.

No one begins their career at the top. Every professional, regardless of their background or success today, once needed an opportunity. Someone willing to see their potential rather than their limitations.

Many careers don’t begin with a clear roadmap. For most, the path into their profession happens unexpectedly. What makes the difference is not always qualifications or a perfectly crafted CV, it’s someone choosing to offer that first opportunity. That decision can change everything. 

Most of us can point to a person who gave us our start. Someone who looked beyond what was missing and recognised what could be developed. Someone who took a chance. 

Not everyone is given that same break.

When potential is overlooked

Through the Steps to Work programme at Strawberry Field, we support young people who face barriers to employment, particularly those who are neurodivergent. Many have been misunderstood and overlooked. Some have been written off before they’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do. Yet their potential is every bit as real.

It is now recognised that 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent. This means that in every workplace, community and professional network, there are individuals navigating environments that were not designed with them in mind.

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

Looking beyond the CV

Our Steps team works intensively with each trainee to build confidence and empower our trainees in their offer, their skills and strengths. We provide job coaching and meaningful work placements with supportive employers. But the most powerful transformation happens when an employer decides to see beyond the experience and looks for the potential. 

Traditional recruitment processes can unintentionally exclude capable individuals who may not fit conventional expectations. Yet resilience, loyalty, creativity and determination are qualities that cannot always be measured. Sometimes, all that is needed is someone willing to look a little deeper.

Changing mindsets, opening doors

Recruitment holds extraordinary influence. The way organisations define “ready” or “qualified” shapes who gains access to opportunity. By broadening that definition, we open doors to individuals who are ready to contribute, they simply need the platform. When we move away from a deficit mindset and towards a strengths-based approach, we don’t just change individual lives. We strengthen our workplaces and communities.

Regardless of condition, background or circumstance, everyone starts somewhere.

Everyone needs support.
Everyone needs belief.
Everyone needs someone to give them their first break.

Raw, untapped talent is everywhere. It simply needs a chance to thrive.

Could you take a chance on a Steps to Work trainee? Find out more about becoming an Employment Partner.