Leeds based charity PATH Yorkshire have collaborated with 5 WAYS to get three people jobs with Forward Leeds.
Since October 2017 Forward Leeds has worked with PATH Yorkshire through the STEP programme and taken four people on placements at 5 WAYS. Out of the four, three of these individuals have now found a job in their chosen field with Forward Leeds.
PATH Yorkshire, as part of the STEP Programme, works with charities and third sector organisations to provide paid placement opportunities for people who have been out of work for at least six months and are over 25. It offers support to those individuals to overcome barriers to work and achieve their goals.
Anne-Marie Gibson (pictured above) who got a role as a receptionist at Forward Leeds following her placement at 5 WAYS said: “The STEP Programme changed my life. After a long period of being out of work, I thought I would never find a job that I enjoyed doing. I had lost hope and motivation. This programme gave me back my confidence and made me feel human again. After five months of work I got a permanent position with Forward Leeds and I have never looked back.”
Aki Matsumura, Project Officer at PATH Yorkshire said: ”Forward Leeds have provided a fantastic opportunity for all three clients on the STEP programme and enabled the opportunity for clients to progress into employment within their organisation. They have provided opportunities for skills development through access to training opportunities, flexibility and encouragement to those on placement. They are fantastic to work with.”
Aki continued: “I’m sure this relationship is going to continue and PATH Yorkshire are going to be able to help more and more people back into work through the support Forward Leeds offers to them. Through these placements at 5 WAY the participants are able to build up their skills and also their confidence in the workplace.”
The normal length of placements offered through PATH Yorkshire is for six months. The participant are paid for 30 hours a week. 25 hours are spent at their placement and five hours on personal development which may include an accredited course, learning new skills through developing experience in a different role to develop additional skills within the workplace and prepare them for future employment.
The STEP Programme is jointly funded by Leeds City Council and the European Social Fund. To find out more about the STEP programme and support available call 0113 3784576.
(Photos courtesy of Karen Connell)
Rebecca Mutch pictured above also found work as a Building Recovery in Communities Worker with Forward Leeds following a placement on the STEP Programme
