Forward2Employment

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people to find permanent and purposeful employment. 

We passionately believe that all young people should be given the opportunity to work in their local community, to feel valued and have a place in society.

We provide Supported Internships for young adults.  Supported Internships are a structured study programme based primarily at a place of employment.

Who Do We Support?

Supported Internships

We offer 38-week Supported Internships that mirror school terms. Interns attend the workplace 4 days a week and spend 1 day a week improving their employability skills and independence skills. The programme runs for a minimum of 6 months. At this point, if the intern is ready and there is a vacancy in the host business, the intern can move in to payed employment.

Alongside their time at the place of employment, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if appropriate, and English and maths.

Supported Internships are so successful because they offer realistic, challenging and purposeful work placements with exceptional and sustained support from the Job Coach.

By breaking down the job into clearly identified tasks, the Job Coach can work with the intern to teach all the necessary skills, In addition, the Job Coach will help the intern understand and cope with the social aspects of work, such as workplace culture, timekeeping, working with other employees, health and safety, travel and using on-site facilities like the canteen.

Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the programme.

Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme aimed to improve their employability and independence skills. Most interns will study for a BTEC in Skills for Life and Skills for Work, as well as Functional Skills Maths and English. If there is a more appropriate qualification that the intern needs to gain employment then we can consider this as an option, for example, a CSCS card.

We will personalise your program of study and it will depend upon your previous achievements and will be tailored to your needs.

There are no formal qualifications required. Instead we look for a willingness to gain work and independence.

We accept referrals from young adults with learning difficulties and/or autism, who:

• Are aged 16 – 24

• Who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

• Who live in Medway, Kent or the South East.

• Are ready to move on from education and into work

• Are an independent traveller or willing to become an independent traveller.

It is hoped that at the end of the Supported Internship that the young person will move into paid employment, or reference to aid the young person into their next steps into work.

The Supported Intern will grow in confidence in both their work skills and life skills. They will become more independent.

The Supported Intern may gain qualifications.

https://www.forward2employment.co.uk/supported-internship/ 

Supported Employment

Supporting clients aged 19 to 64 with an additional need or disability who are no longer in education, to overcome barriers to employment by following a 5 stage model for Supported Employment. Using this person-centred approach, we enable our clients to recognise their skills and gain confidence in the recruitment process. Through our recent SEQF audit, we have successfully received Good Provider status with the British Association of Supported Employment (BASE). This means that we have been nationally recognised as a provider who delivers positive outcomes for the clients we support, empowering them to confidently enter the world of work, sure in the knowledge of our continued support.

Forward2Employment supports clients aged 19 to 64 with an additional need or disability who have left education to overcome barriers to employment by following a 5 stage model for Supported Employment.

Stage 1 – Client Engagement

A meeting will be arranged with the client and Employment Officer to discuss what level of disclosure and support the client requires. Initial forms will be completed with your Employment Officer, who will explain what Supported Employment is, and complete an action plan outlining the clients’ next steps and meeting details.

Stage 2 – Vocational Profiling

A person-centred approach in finding out what the client wants to do and helps the Employment Officer to find out more about what the clients’ interests, hobbies, past jobs and skills are. Vocational Profiling booklets are used as a working document to ensure that information is updated and relevant.

Stage 3 – Job Finding

Supported by the Employment Officer, we offer support in the following areas:

• CV writing

• cover letters

• how to apply for jobs

• interview technique training

Stage 4 – Employer Engagement

If a client chooses this level of support in their disclosure, Employment Officers can reach out to employers on the clients’ behalf supporting them in their workplace or into employment.

Stage 5 – On and Off the Job Support

For clients who have chosen this level of support in their disclosure. Employment Officers can offer support in the workplace by supporting the client to learn the job using systematic instruction. Employment Officers can also attend interviews, probation period meetings, assist with any work place training, and support the client to understand their contract.

Following a 5 stage model for Supported Employment we tailor our support to meet the needs of the client.

There are no formal entry requirements for this programme but the client must want to move into paid employment.

It is hoped that at the end of the Supported Employment that the client will gain paid employment

The Supported Employment Client will grow in confidence in their work skills, and the skills needed for gaining employment.

https://www.forward2employment.co.uk/supported-employment/