Ready for Work in Nottinghamshire

Ready for Work is a programme that equips homeless people, or those at risk of homelessness, with the confidence and skills to re-enter the job market.  Business volunteers participating in the programme benefit from improved communication and interpersonal skills.

How the programme works

We work closely with hostels and other agencies for homeless people to find clients who are ready to take the next steps towards finding work.

Prior to starting the work placements, clients attend a two-day pre-employment training session, called Ready to Go, which helps improve their self-esteem and motivational skills as well as providing practical training in CV preparation and interview techniques.  This helps them prepare to enter the workplace with renewed confidence.

Clients undertake a two-week placement with a participating business.  Each client is supported throughout their placement by a 'Buddy' (a volunteer from the host company) who will also receive relevant training.

On completion of the work placements, clients attend an Action Day which helps them to define the next steps for moving into work.  They are then assigned a Job Coach (a business volunteer) for a period of six months to support them in their search for work.

How businesses can help

By offering a two-week work placement to somebody who is actively seeking work, businesses can help them to increase their confidence, get back into the working routine in a supportive environment and gain recent demonstrable work experience.

Keeping clients motivated after they have completed their work placement is crucial.  Businesses can help by providing employee volunteers to act as job coaches.  The job coaches receive full training and support and this can be a highy rewarding experience for them as well as improving their communication, management and interpersonal skills.