Getting a Step Ahead

Editor
4 February 2010 - 1:58pm
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Tagged as:

• careers
• economy
• employment
• social enterprise
• Step Ahead
• VCS
• voluntary and community sector
• work experience

What is Step Ahead?

Step Ahead was introduced by the Department for Employment and Learning  in direct response to the economic downturn, giving the voluntary and community sector and social economy businesses an opportunity to help long-term unemployed people move back into work.

There has been an encouraging response by the third sector in creating exciting, genuine employment opportunities for those who have been long-term unemployed and wish to take the first steps back into employment. It is hoped that many more organisations will join in and avail of the opportunity this initiative brings to the sector.

How can my organisation help?

Your organisation can provide valuable practical work experience in the work place to someone who has not worked for over 30 months by offering them a fixed-term job opportunity which could in turn deliver much needed services to your local community. Many of the jobs have focused on community projects such as childcare and youth work or provided valuable administrative support to local community organisations and non-profit organisations that deal with vulnerable groups such as the homeless and elderly.

There is scope for more jobs in a wider variety of organisations such as environmental, sporting, cultural, charitable and not-for-profit businesses as well as a wider geographical spread, particularly in the following areas:

• Southern Region (including Lurgan, Portadown, Armagh and Newry)
• North Down (including Newtownards and Bangor)
• South Eastern (including Lisburn, Banbridge, Kilkeel, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Newcastle)
• North Western (including Limavady, Coleraine, Magherafelt and Cookstown)
• East and South Belfast
• Antrim (including Ballymoney, Ballymena, Antrim, Carrickfergus and Larne)

If we can’t afford to employ anyone can we still help?

We understand that payroll can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly if you don’t already have this in place. You should discuss this with your local Steps to Work Lead Contractor as they may be able to provide payroll assistance.

We can’t afford to train new staff – can we still participate?

The good news is that funding is provided to undertake at least one short course while on Step Ahead. These can include courses such as IT Skills to Basic Food Hygiene.

What kinds of jobs can Step Ahead participants perform?

To date, over 100 jobs have been advertised in various occupational areas including administration,
environmental work, catering, childcare, youth work and maintenance positions. Remember - it doesn’t have to end there.

Who can I contact for more information?

The Step Ahead programme is for a limited time. If you are interested contact your local Steps to Work Lead Contractor.

Area, Contractor and Contact Number

Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, South West College, 028 8224 5433
Foyle, Lisnagelvin*, Rutledge Joblink, 028 7137 0300
Coleraine, Limavady, Magherafelt, Cookstown, Network Personnel, 028 7963 1032
Ballymoney, Ballymena, Antrim, Carrickfergus, Larne, TWL Training, 028 9446 7791
Lurgan, Portadown, Armagh, Newry, Wade Training, 028 3833 7000
Lisburn, Banbridge, Kilkeel, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick, Newcastle, People 1st, 028 9030 3986
Bangor, Newtownards, South Eastern Regional College, 028 9127 6827
Holywood Road, Knockbreda, Shaftesbury Square, TWL Training, 028 9031 5919
Falls Road, Shankill, Andersonstown, Springvale Learning, 028 9024 2362
North Belfast, Newtownabbey, North City Training, 028 9074 5408

*New Deal in Foyle contract area

Client Experience

Michelle is employed as an Administrative Assistant in Lower North Belfast Community Council Advice Services. Having been unemployed since 2002, Michelle had become unsatisfied sitting at home and was keen to get back into work. When she found out about the
Step Ahead role at Lower North Belfast Community Council Advice Services, she immediately made an
appointment to meet with her Lead Contractor, North City Training. Michelle was one of the first participants to secure a Step Ahead job and has been in her role since November 2009.

“Being out of work for such a long period can dent your confidence. When you are working you feel like you are doing something worthwhile.” Michelle is working towards becoming a Welfare Adviser and is currently participating on the Welfare Rights Adviser Programme with the support of her employer. Having contact with the organisation’s clients provides her with valuable experience of the various welfare issues that affect people and how they can overcome these. She enjoys the daily interaction with clients and co-workers and is also looking forward to undertaking an Accredited Course through Step Ahead.

Michelle is keen not to go back on to benefits and is constantly considering future job opportunities. She feels Step Ahead has improved her job prospects as she says that when applying for jobs “it looks better when you already have a job!”