Empowering futures: the employment and training initiatives enabling people to be their best
Onward Homes, a social landlord with over 35,000 homes across the North West, is helping thousands of local people unlock new career paths through employment and training initiatives.
From delivering tailored coaching sessions to customers, to helping employment and training providers, schools and local community groups deliver programmes through funding, Onward is opening doors to brighter futures.
In Greater Manchester, Onward, SHAPES, Salford Media Club, Clarion Futures, Great Places and Salix Homes came together to fund a free training programme for young people interested in media and podcasting.
The programme, led by The Reporters’ Academy, empowered local young people with hands-on media training at MediaCity, boosting their confidence, employability, and aspirations through podcast production, real-world experience, and industry exposure.
Awan, who took part in the training programme, said:
“My experience at Salford Media Club was an amazing opportunity that gave me the chance to explore my creativity and build confidence in a supportive environment.”
“I had the opportunity to work with professional cameras and equipment, which was both exciting and educational. One of the highlights was getting to interview Olympic athletes, something I never imagined I’d do at my age.”
“Being surrounded by likeminded young people and passionate mentors made every session inspiring, and it really opened my eyes to future possibilities in the media industry.”
Over in Lancashire, 1st Call, Onward’s flagship support programme is working closely with those whose health conditions are impacting their ability to work as part of the Work Well project which is funded by the UK Government.
1st Call‘s support involves understanding each participant’s specific needs, aspirations, and challenges, to develop a personalised action plan with support from local partners that will help them take positive steps forward.
A participant, who was feeling anxious about returning to work following an accident which resulted in long-term leave and wishes to remain anonymous, said:
“My mentor from 1st Call has been so helpful and informative. Their support throughout the process gave me confidence to return to work after being off for a long time. They’ve also helped me apply for funding to get special equipment which will make my job easier. I’m incredibly grateful.”
And in Merseyside, Onward partnered with Job Centre Plus and Everton in the Community to deliver a Meet the Employer event this Summer where attendees had an opportunity to make connections with local employers from the trade and construction sectors.
Local employers, including AA Molyneux, Bell Group, Casey, George Jones and Vistry to name a few, gave attendees valuable insights into different career paths through networking, whilst Job Centre Plus provided personalised career advice and delivered CV writing sessions.
Since the event, AA Molyneux, a Liverpool based builder, has taken on two of the attendees as apprentices. Lee Barrow, Contract Manager at AA Molyneux, said:
“The event was very enjoyable, and it was nice to see so many people attending seeking opportunities.”
“Since the event, we have employed Jake who was made redundant by his previous employer and was unable to complete the final part of his electrical apprenticeship. We are hoping to get his apprenticeship completed in the coming months, which will allow Jake to become a fully qualified electrician, something that may not have been possible without the event being held.”
As well as helping local partners deliver employment and training initiatives, Onward is also enabling its customers to be their best by providing them with access to vital training and funding.
The Onward Employment and Training Fund offers grants of up to £500 for eligible customers to help break down barriers to employment. Whether it’s covering the cost of a professional qualification, purchasing essential work equipment, or securing childcare to enable job opportunities. Alongside this, their Digital Connect programme is bridging the digital divide by supplying free devices, data packages, and practical digital skills training to those who need it most.
Katey, an Onward customer who received a free laptop and six months’ free data so she could access training and education, said:
“Thank you so much Onward, this has been a game changer for me. I can now start my new job with better pay, better hours and I can work from home too!”
Joanne Danaher, Director of Housing and Home Ownership at Onward, said:
“By investing in initiatives that enable people to be their best, we’re empowering our customers to gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive and reach their full potential.”
“Together with our partners, we’re not only transforming individual lives, we’re creating a ripple effect across the communities we serve, where every job secured, every qualification earned, and every goal achieved contributes to a brighter future.”
Employment and training providers, schools and local community groups interested in exploring how Onward can help their initiatives can get in touch by emailing socialinvestment@onward.co.uk.
Onward’s customers can visit their website (onward.co.uk/employment), email socialinvestment@onward.co.uk or call 0300 555 0600 to find out more.