Steps to Work at Strawberry Field

The Steps to Work programme is a 12 -18-month programme which reaches out to young adults aged 18 – 25 with learning difficulties, autism or other barriers to employment.

What Do We Offer?

The Strawberry Field Steps to Work Programme is the first of its kind in the UK. With core values of generosity, inclusivity, compassion and integrity, we will call on the open hearts of businesses and individuals in Liverpool to see the value in diversity. The Steps to Work Programme operates a truly person-centred approach with the trainee at the centre of everything we do.

Steps to Work Structure

8 Week Work Readiness Programme

Once they have joined the programme trainees will attend an eight week ‘Work Readiness’ programme, which runs for three and a half days a week at Strawberry Field. The Work Readiness programme provides the opportunity for trainees to develop many life and independence skills such as communication, team working, planning and organisation and relationship skills. There is also a heavy focus on employability and ensuring the trainee is ready to start their work placement. Trainees are fully supported by a team of Work Coaches throughout the programme. Towards the end of the eight weeks, trainees will plan and deliver an event of their choice to bring all these skills together and welcome family and friends.

up to three 3-month Work Placements

Once the eight-week Work Readiness course is complete, trainees will start the first of up to three work placements. Each placement will last for 12 weeks and for a maximum of 12 hours per week. Their first placement will be based at Strawberry Field and can be in the shop, visitors exhibition, kitchen or outside in the gardens or with security. Placements are arranged based on the skills, interests and career aspirations of the individual trainee. In addition to work placements, we encourage trainees to study for a vocational qualification such as customer service or hospitality which we run from Strawberry Field. Each placement will give trainees the opportunity to practice and consolidate skills.

Securing paid employment

Towards the end of the programme trainees are supported in terms of employability skills, CV building and job applications to secure paid employment in a sector and hours that work for the individual. Once in paid employment trainees are supported for a further 3 months by their work coach.