Steps to Work

The Strawberry Field Steps to Work Programme is the first of its kind with core values of generosity inclusivity, compassion and integrity.

Steps to Work adopts truly “person-first “ approach which has the trainee at the heart of everything we do. Each trainee is supported by their dedicated Work Coach for the duration of the programme.

Trainees will have an individual journey plan which will be achieved through commitment from the trainee and Work Coach. The wider Strawberry Field team are on hand to offer emotional and pastoral support.

Trainees learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment and are guided by their Work Coach.

Steps to Work prides itself on championing neurodiversity and challenges employers to build a more neurodiverse workforce.

We are looking to support young adults who:

• have a keen desire to gain paid employment
• are currently economically inactive, for example, not in education, employment or training, or may never have worked
• will commit to attending and participating on all aspects of the programme
• are prepared to try new things and develop new skills
• are willing to commit to the programme for up to 12 months

Watch this video from a recent graduation event to see how the programme has helped some of our previous trainees. 

If you are facing barriers to employment, but feel like you don't meet the criteria, you may benefit from our Steps to Work lite programme.

Steps to Work consists of an eight week classroom based work readiness course, followed by up to three different three month work placements.

At the start of the programme trainees will attend an eight week ‘Work Readiness’ course which runs for four days a week at Strawberry Field. The Work Readiness course provides the opportunity for trainees to develop many life and independence skills such as communication, team working, planning and organisation and relationship skills. The second half of the work readiness course focuses on employability and ensures the trainee is ready to start their first work placement.

Once the eight week Work Readiness course is complete, trainees will start their first work placement which will based at Strawberry Field - in our cafe, shop, garden or part of our cleaning and security teams. Trainees then undertake placements with local businesses who partner with Strawberry Field.

Each placement will last or 12 weeks, for a maximum of 12 hours per week. Placements are arranged based on the skills, interests and career aspirations of the individual trainee. We offer up to 3 work placements but some trainees leave the programme early as they are ready for paid employment. Typically the programme lasts for 12 months.

Our Steps to Work lite programme if for people who are ready to work but need help navigating the application process. If you have been out of work, need help in securing a job or want to do some work experience, then we can help you to reach those goals. We will find you a work experience placement in your chosen sector.

Steps to Work Lite can help:

• improve your CV and application process
• introduce you to industry, connecting you with employers
• ask for reasonable adjustments 

Steps to Work lite is for people facing barriers to employment but are work ready.

You may benefit from the Steps to Work Lite programme if you:

• have worked before, but have been out of work for some time
• are aged 30+
• feel ready to work, but need help applying for jobs or asking for reasonable adjustments

Unlike our Steps to Work programme, Steps to Work lite doesn't involve any classroom-based learning. You may have to opportunity to go on a work placement, but it is not a requirement of the programme.

While on the programme, you will receive:

• 1 to 1 support from a dedicated work coach
• Help building your CV and writing covering letters
• Support in your job search activity and interview preparation
• Support with travel costs if required