If you’re unemployed, the Source Academy’s Steps to Work programme offers more than 30 accredited training courses – covering a wide range of sectors and career pathways – to help strengthen your CV and boost your confidence. Emma joined Steps to Work after several unsuccessful attempts to get work as a teaching assistant. She completed qualifications in Mental Health, Work Skills, Challenging Behaviour and Understanding Autism. She also got job search, application and interview tips from the Source Academy’s supportive team. With her new skills and confidence, she secured a teaching assistant job at a primary school. She’s almost completed her first term now and she’s loving her work. 

Find out more about the Source Academy’s Steps to Work programme on their website or call 0114 263 6693.

If you’re looking for help to get your own business off the ground, RIDO’s Launchpad team can help with free workshops, information about grants and more.

To find out more follow RIDO on Facebook or visit their website

Support that’s just for you can make all the difference when you’re job hunting – as Tom discovered with the Ambition Project. Seventeen-year-old Tom wanted a job he’d be motivated to work hard at – but was struggling to find opportunities that matched his interests. His Pathways to Progression advisor helped him explore what he enjoyed and was good at and encouraged him to think outside the box about what might suit him. His family noticed that with this support Tom’s confidence grew and he came out of his shell. A rail track course with YFL Training caught Tom’s interest, and Pathways to Progression helped him work with the training provider to sort out the practicalities –  like making sure he could get there each day. He got a place on the course, and six months after starting, Tom got a job in the rail track industry.  

If you’re unemployed and would like tailored help to get into employment, education or training, Pathways Rotherham and Ambition Project can help. Find out more about Pathways on Facebook or email employmentsolutionsteam@rotherham.gov.uk.  

Pathways to Progression and Ambition Project is run by Rotherham Council and funded by the European Social Fund.

A supported internship at Gulliver’s Valley was a chance for six young people with special educational needs to show the value they could bring to a business – and saw four of them get jobs at the theme park. During the internships, arranged through the Rotherham Opportunities College, the young people were supported by their tutors and work coaches to work across a range of roles. Their progress and ability were clearly demonstrated when the park was hit by a power cut: with minimal guidance they worked quickly and calmly as a team to keep customers happy and support other colleagues. Four of the six have gone on to secure jobs at Gulliver’s Valley, working for the park care, catering, and retail departments, and one as a ride operator at Gully Town. Two others used the experience to successfully secure interviews with other employers. 

Find out more about the Rotherham Opportunities College Project Search supported internships for young people with learning disabilities.

Apprentices are set to play a key role in helping to maintain and improve homes across Rotherham as part of Engie’s five-year contract with the Council. As part of the Engie team, they’ll be earning a living while also learning skills on which they can build a life-long career. The latest recruits will be completing apprenticeships in areas such as electrical works, gas,  plumbing, joinery as well as business administration.

For more on Engie and apprenticeship opportunities available visit their website.

KCM Waste Management has joined the growing list of companies helping young people get vital work experience by offering supported internships. Lewis and Leigh have been working as recycling operatives on a supported internship – learning how to identify and separate recyclable materials so they can be turned into new products. As part of this family-run business they’re getting experience of the world of work and helping to ensure that 99% of the waste that KCM receives from households and businesses across Rotherham gets recycled.

The supported internship was arranged by Landmarks Specialist College, which provides high-quality education and opportunities for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Find out more about Landmarks Specialist College.