Sheffield Welcomes Fresh Approach to Job Support

• Pathways to Work aims to help people find or return to work, with specific support available for those with health conditions.
• The Growth Company delivers Pathways to Work in Sheffield on behalf of Sheffield City Council.
• Professionals and stakeholders from across Sheffield and South Yorkshire attended a launch event on 27th June to exchange ideas and best practice.  

Dozens of professionals and civic leaders gathered at Sheffield’s Grade II listed Portland Works building last week to learn about a new job support programme.

Pathways to Work is designed to tackle high rates of economic inactivity and boost employment across nine ‘trailblazer’ regions by connecting participants to relevant employability, health, and skills services.

The initiative was commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and is being delivered in the Steel City by the Growth Company in partnership with Sheffield City Council.

Learning from each other to deliver positive outcomes

The launch event took place on 27th June, giving attendees the chance to connect with other professionals, hear from partners supporting people who face complex barriers to work, and garner practical ideas to better support their communities.

The day began with a presentation by John Powell from the local authority. John provided an overview of the wider Pathways to Work agenda in the city, explaining how important the economic inactivity trailblazers are to South Yorkshire.

A trio of Growth Company colleagues then took to the stage. Service Manager Kate Liddle opened by sharing our approach to service delivery in South Central Sheffield, outlining the team’s plans for the weeks and months ahead. Billie Kemp followed, presenting data from their research into health inequalities within the Restart Scheme and Refugee Employability Programme, with a focus on Sheffield. Finally, Adrian Bird highlighted how Aspire in Partnership supports organisations to become more inclusive and enhance their social value.

Next up, the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network’s Pete Burchill emphasised the important and unique role that social enterprises like the Growth Company play when it comes to employment support.

Faye Mellors from the Suit Works also presented. She described how enhanced support – in this case, a free styling session and an appropriate interview outfit – can boost a jobseeker’s confidence and self-esteem.

To round things off, United For Ukraine Lead Keyworker Marianna Vaszilyiv shared the inspiring work that her team has carried out in Sheffield to support people displaced by the conflict.

The Growth Company’s Partnership and Integration Manager, Tim Jeffrey, said: “The launch event brought together dedicated and passionate professionals from across Sheffield, all focused on helping people find meaningful, lasting work.

“We’re hoping to build on the momentum generated and create real opportunities for the city and its residents.”

Find out more

Economically inactive residents who are aged 16 or over, live in Sheffield, and have the right to live and work in the UK are eligible to join Pathways to Work.

Keyworkers can also work with unemployed residents who are at risk of social exclusion and would benefit from additional community-based support.

Email pathways[at]gcemployment.uk for more information.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 30-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Contact us today to find out more.