Launched in January 2008, the service takes residents on a journey, from initial health check through to appropriate training, and on to a successful job search and sustainable employment. A team of dedicated employment workers are based in five of our hostels to give personal support to clients on-site.
The programme provides advice, training and daily activities within St Mungo's hostels. Residents write their own Pathways to Employment plan with their key worker and receive regular support from a vocational guidance and coaching specialist. They help to break down the plan into manageable stages and provide encouragement and advice along the way.
Our experience with the Pathways to Employment programme shows that this bespoke employment support for homeless people really works. The programme is designed for long term interventions. Although many outcomes are achieved in the first six months, the real gains are seen among those who are in the programme nine months or longer. In a recent evaluation of clients within this group:
St Mungo's Work and Learning Manager Rod Cullen said:
"St Mungo's Pathways to Employment programme is changing the face of hostel accommodation by making on-site education and training a central part of our residents' experience.
"Under the pathways programme, residents sign on to an employment plan and are given guidance and training in areas ranging from basic skills through to specific fields such as IT, first aid and food hygiene. The support continues through to a job search, and into the first six months of employment.
"It's all about giving residents the skills and the confidence to find a job, keep a job and make a long-term break away from homelessness."
Click here to read a briefing report on Pathways to Employment