"Transitions™"

Nearly two years into a recession that is still biting, not just UK business ... business globally has been touched by these hard times.  The majority of us know someone who has been affected by this current financial climate - whether through restructuring, redundancy or an embargo on recruiting natural movement of employees.  Good news!! At last there is hope. 

Who is it for?

Transitions™ has been designed for people who are looking for help to move their career path forward.

Facing Redundancy?

Or simply anxious that you may be next in the redundancy round - have your senior decision makers made all the right moves to carry the organisation through such tough times?

Looking for help in making your job more satisfying?

By moving on to a completely new challenge or taking on a more responsible role within your existing employers structure?

If you are able to answer yes to either of the above questions the Transitions™ is for you ... here's how it can help.

Transitions™ unique blend of workshop time and one to one coaching time will benefit you by:

• Demystifying the change process and enable you to identify the most effective way for you to manage it

• Help to build your confidence by identifying your skills set

• Consider a range of employment options and support you in identifying the one that's for you

• Help you to convey to prospective employers why you are the best for them by polishing your self marketing skills

Like to know more?   Click here to download a pdf

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Handling Workplace Stress

Absence through work related stress cost UK business £14bn in 2007 ... and it is on the rise

The news is full of stories reporting the hardship faced by organisations caused by the current financial climate.  Some of those organisations will have faced similar challenges through the previous “credit crunch”.  They know that survival is helped by investment in human resources, in particular, in their workplace health and well-being.  So what is being done to support organisations and their people through these challenging times?

Step Ahead are collaborating with professional partners to provide awareness of responsibilities, as per the guidelines set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and ACAS, as well as introducing practical tools that can help individuals, managers and organisations ensure that their procedures are proactive in managing employee workplace health and well-being. 

You will benefit from expert advice and practical suggestions to help your organisation retain key staff and build resilience into your business through difficult times.

Click here to e-mail us to find out about dates, venues and booking procedures.

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Employability Core Skills Project

In June 2008 Step Ahead were approached by Framework, a Nottingham Charity that supports homeless people and vulnerable adults.  Their brief was to design a programme covering core work skills as well as some personal development to be delivered over an 8-week duration.  As this is exactly the type of project that we were established to do we were delighted to be given such a great opportunity and were keen to lead this, exceptionally valuable project.

The programme is delivered two days per week over 8 weeks and is part of a wider project that the charity is running.  The project has three phases, of which the training programme is the first, followed by a period of voluntary work, usually between 3 and 6 months.  The final stage of the project is an apprenticeship over 9 months, giving project participants an opportunity to gain first hand experience of the reality of a role in support work as well as an employment history of a whole year. 

Within the context of the project, the training programme offers participants both theory and experiential learning.  Elements covered include Self Confidence, Motivation, Assertiveness and Communication skills on the personal development thread as well as the more work focussed Health and Safety, Rights & Responsibilities, Working with Others and Work Standards on the employment thread.  The retention rate for participants is averaging at 97% and the first two programmes, which were completed in 2008, proved highly successful in moving participants closer to being work ready.  

What participants thought  ....

To read a Case Study click here

Below are some quotes from participants on their evaluation of the programme:

“It gave me direction and purpose and empathy”

“I am capable of more than I thought”

“I met new people and gained and refreshed skills”

For more information about Framework and their work or to volunteer, visit www.FrameworkHA.org