I am aged 18 or over and have challenges or barriers to finding, or retaining, work.
We're supporting people into sustainable employment through our employment support programmes, including Connect To Work which is UK Government funded and supports Hertfordshire residents who have challenges and barriers to seeking and retaining jobs.
I am aged between 16 and 25, unemployed and not currently in education or training - King's Trust team programme
Who we help
Our services are available to people who:
- are aged 16 - 25
- residents of Hertfordshire and
- currently unemployed, not in education or training. (NEET)
What we do
The King's Trust Team programme, led by the Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and partially funded by Step2Skills, is dedicated to supporting young individuals. We provide essential resources and guidance to help them kick-start their journey towards employment, education, or training.
How can we help you
By participating in this program, you'll benefit from:
- Enhancing your interview and presentation skills
- Assistance in crafting an impressive CV
- Support in securing work experience placements and valuable references
- A boost in confidence and motivation to actively seek employment or pursue further education and training opportunities.
What your journey with us will look like
Upon enrolling in the 12-week programme, you'll embark on a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and confidence to make your mark in the world of work, education, or training. Watch the King's Trust Team programme video to find out more, or...
Day 1: Meet new people
Don’t worry about turning up on your own – there’ll be about 12 people joining and everyone will be in the same situation. It’ll be informal and there’ll be plenty of activities so you’ll soon feel part of things.
Week 1: Take action
Over this week, you’ll start planning for the weeks ahead – setting out what you want to achieve and finding out how to get your qualifications. You’ll also be planning for a week away.
Week 2: New experiences
You’ll spend this week away – trying new things and learning how to work with others. This gives you a chance to break away from your current situation. The sort of things you could do include canoeing, climbing, raft-building and much more!
Weeks 3-6: Something to talk about
As a Team, you’ll decide on a project to benefit your local community and carry it out. You might be surprised at what you can achieve together. This gives you great experience to talk about at interviews.
Weeks 7-8: Work placements
This is the time to see how the skills you’ve developed so far can help you in the workplace. It’s also a great chance to try out a type of work, or company, to see whether you like it.
Week 9: Plan for the future
Time to plan your next steps after the programme. You’ll get help to write a fantastic CV, practice your interview skills and make applications.
Weeks 10-11: Meet the challenge
You and your Team will take on a challenge to help others in the community. This is when you get to test out all the skills you’ll have worked on so far.
Week 12: Have your say
In your final week, you’ll deliver a presentation with your team to an invited audience. This is your chance to show off the talents you’ve discovered! This may sound scary now, but after 12 weeks on Team you’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come.
Hear from a recent Team participant
Jonathan joined the King’s Trust Team programme in January 2023 aged 25 after struggling with his confidence as a result of repeated knock backs at job interviews. He was long-term unemployed and felt like he was being discriminated against at interviews and during work trials as a result of his autism and hearing loss. He was experiencing high levels of anxiety as a result. Jonathan had completed a Work and Health programme with the support of the Shaw Trust but had been unable to secure work as a result and was now being supported by Hertford Job Centre in finding employment.
“I was a media student struggling at Hertford regional college while completing creative media between 2014 and 2019. I was planning to apply for a part time work as a starting point. Then the pandemic hit, and I struggled with applications and jobs in general, as my stress and anxiety was in a state of overload.
Before I applied for the programme, I was working in a part time position before being let go without warning. I was upset, angry and felt I was let go without being given the opportunity to show my worth.” - Jonathan.
Jonathan was really keen to work and threw himself into the King’s Trust Team programme with enthusiasm. He travelled to Baldock Fire Station from Hertford every day for the full 12 weeks, involving a trip of at least 1 hour each way.
Jonathan overcame multiple barriers to take part in the Team programme. His autism meant that he found changes to routine and uncertainty difficult to handle, and he demonstrated resilience and perseverance in adapting to the multiple different locations, timings and projects that make up the Team programme as well as challenging and uncertain behaviour from other learners. Unfortunately, the idea of completing the residential trip became too overwhelming for Jonathan. However the Team Leaders supported him in completing an alternative project for the duration of the week away to ensure that he was able to pass this module. Jonathan chose to research and prepare an interactive presentation on what it was like to live with partial hearing, which he delivered to the remainder of the group after their return from residential. The session lasted 30 minutes and included a demonstration of sign language and a chance for all learners to practice signing their own names to the rest of the group.
Jonathan had always wanted to work in theatres or film, and had completed a Level 2, Level 3 and HND in Creative Media. Staff were able to arrange a two week work placement at the Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon on a set timetable of repeat activities and timings to reduce Jonathan’s anxiety around change.
“I enjoyed spending time with this group there were varied personalities and attitudes and it was just a great group to be a part of. My social awkwardness was still there as weeks went by, but I grew more comfortable within this team.
The most enjoyable part of these 12 weeks was my work placement at the spotlight theatre. having that opportunity was enjoyable due to have the type of work I was doing. This included Box office and ushering.” – Jonathan
As a result, the Spotlight Theatre offered Jonathan the chance to apply to be a volunteer usher. Jonathan was delighted by this opportunity as it gave him the chance to work in a theatre alongside like-minded people. The Team Leaders were able to supply the Spotlight Theatre with a reference for Jonathan to support him in accessing this position.
“Hi Flora, got possible good news! I could start to be paid for my theatre work as i recently did an 11 hour shift last weekend as a volunteer. The managers are discussing it over the next few days.”
Who we help
This service is available via referral only to people who:
- are aged 25+
- live in Hertfordshire
- are referred by the Adult Disability Team
What we do
Run in collaboration with the Adult Disability Team within Hertfordshire County Council, First Steps to Employment is a short programme, designed to help the participant get ready for paid employment.
How we help
Our programme includes:
- Careers Advice and guidance
- Building your CV
- Looking for work
- Preparing for interviews
- Improving confidence
- Getting ready to start work
- Money management
- Travel Training
- Digital Skills