We want to invite our local community to come and be part of the Strawberry Field centre so everyone can see the results of the hard work the young adults put into the Steps to Work programme, network and maybe even learn some tips from the new work-ready trainees! We are raising funds for equipment for the young people to train to develop and maintain the Stawberry Field landscaped gardens for the public to enjoy freely, transforming our planting beds into an open space growing fresh herbs/spices and vegetables. The Steps to Work programme reaches out to young adults aged 18-25 with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment through a training hub in the new Strawberry Field centre. Funds are also needed to expand the programme to support more young people, purchasing computers and equipment for the trainees. We are keen to welcome the local community and share the amazing work we do with the young people and need your help to make it happen!

What we'll deliver:

• The creation of a Strawberry Field family environment that gets everyone in the community involved.
• Friendships developed amongst people that may have never had that opportunity in the past.
• Transformation from shy and quiet individuals who now have developed amazing personalities and infectious smiles.
• Maintiain our beautifil landscaped gardens, creating and developing our open space for people to enjoy freely.
• Transforming our planting beds into an open space growing fresh herbs/spices and vegetables.

Why it's a great idea:

To the trainees: Benefits include: Vocational Qualifications gained. With the end result being paid employment, a sense of pride and connection with the Strawberry Field community. To the community: Recognising we have had the opportunity to bring the community together has been an extremely amazing achievement and we hope this can continue. The community will also be able to make use of our beautifully landscaped gardens and even learn from the trainees! To our volunteers: Developing people, giving a sense of direction and hope, giving others an opportunity to develop their own skills and achieve and giving them an opportunity to work alongside The Salvation Army and be part of the Strawberry Field story.

Steps to get it done:

• Seek out trainees for each cohort. Through marketing the programme(see costs)
• Recruit 12/13 trainees per quater/cohort.
• Deliver an 8 week classroom based work readiness course within our training centre at Strawberry Field.
• Seek out to find an industry work placement for each trainee based on their interests and skills.
• Support each trainee throughout their placement.
• Support trainee whilst they study alongside placement for vocational qualification.
• Seek upto 3 placements for each trainee during the programme.
• Pay each trainee a bursary after completing each placement.
• Support trainee with interview skills and job applications.
• Open up dedicated job club to support trainees not yet in employment.
• Support trainee for 3 months after completing programme.
• Trainee will always be supported by our dedicated team of coaches to secure paid employment.

Thanks to partnerships with local education providers including The City of Liverpool College and the investment of local businesses and organisations, Steps to Work can offer a 12-18 month programme that combines education and work placements to ensure trainees are truly work ready. Steps to Work consists of an 8 week work readiness course, followed by 3 different 3 month work placements. These placements include 2 days per week of vocational training and 2 days per week in a work environment to move young people into employment or meaningful volunteering. We have calculated it costs £10,000 to put one trainee through our 12-18 month programme.