Getting a Step Ahead

Step Ahead was introduced by the Department for Employment & 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.

How can your organisation help?

Your organisation can provide practical work experience for someone who has been unemployed for over 30 months by offering them a fixed-term job opportunity which could in turn deliver much needed services to your local community.

There is a capacity for Step Ahead posts in various environments within voluntary or charitable organisations.

Funding?

A subsidy payment of £185 per week towards each employee’s wage is available.

Training?

Funding is provided to undertake a short course while on Step Ahead.  This includes courses such as IT Skills and Basic Food Hygiene.

Client Testimony

David is employed as a Groundsperson in Pomeroy Plunketts GAC.  Having been unemployed for a long period of time, David had become frustrated sitting at home and was keen to get back into work.  He noticed the Step Ahead vacancy online and immediately made an appointment with a Step Ahead Advisor at his local Jobs & Benefits Office and applied for the post.

David has been in his role since April 2010 and is thoroughly enjoying his return to work. “The programme is very worthwhile.  It’s great to get up and out to work again. It gives you a fantastic feeling of being useful after being unemployed. They are a really easy bunch of people to work with as instructions are given, there is plenty to do and I’m allowed to get on with it. I’m still looking for permanent employment while working at the Club and I’m finding it’s really just good for me all round.”

Pomeroy Club member, Gerry McKenna commented on the benefits of the programme to their organisation “When I first heard about this programme, to be honest I thought it was a bit cynical. But then I met David and I’ve seen the work he does and how hard he works and now I think completely differently about it. Here is a man who wants to work and does a great job but who cannot find work. We are the winners in this situation because we have a great person working for us and we receive a subsidy towards his wages. He’s doing a fantastic job. “

Step Ahead offers:

  • 30 hours per week paid employment.
  • An opportunity to undertake an accredited training course while in the job (receiving £100 bonus on achieving this qualification).
  • Access to extra support to help them settle in and stay in the job.
  • Access to a Job Coach who will offer assistance with active job search, development of a CV and job applications.

If you are an organisation in the Magherafelt or Cookstown District and operate within the community and voluntary sector and are in a position to facilitate a job opportunity, please contact Bronagh on 028 796 31032 or via email; Bronagh.duggan@networkpersonnel.org.uk.

Pictured, Standing Roisin Goldridge ( Steps to Work Support Worker), kneeling David Connolly (Step Ahead participant)

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