3rd February 2020

College partnership produces first graduates from Steps into Work programme

A college partnership with one of the country’s leading charities has produced its first group of young graduates ready for the world of work.

The City of Liverpool College, in collaboration with the Salvation Army, offers an eighteen-month Steps into Work programme for young adults with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

Through the training hub, which is run from the iconic Strawberry Fields building made famous by The Beatles, trainees follow a ‘work readiness’ course which provides the tools needed to gain independence, discover their potential and learn skills to help them in the world of work.

Trainee Chris Higginson (22), worked in three theatres in the Liverpool as part of the programme: the Unity, Hope Street Theatre and the Everyman. He takes up his new position as an usher and theatre assistant at the Everyman over the next few weeks. Chris said: “The Steps into Work programme is brilliant. I really enjoy taking part and it’s helped me one hundred percent. I’m a lot happier and more confident in myself now and that’s all thanks to the programme and the support given to me by the work coaches.”

Other successes include two trainees who’ve completed an apprenticeship with a local nursery and a fourth who is now a permanent volunteer at Strawberry Fields.

Programme manager, Alan Triggs, said: “Seeing our young trainees grow and develop in terms of confidence, belief and self-esteem is truly amazing. As the first cohort gain confidence and independence, ready to enter the world of work, we see the spirit of how the Steps into Work programme is truly realised.”

Photo: first group of graduates from Strawberry Field’s Steps into Work programme

See also ITV NEWS coverage 26.01.20: https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2020-01-26/first-trainees-graduate-from-liverpool-s-world-famous-strawberry-field/