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FINDING FULFILLING
EMPLOYMENT
Aspire’s employment support projects start with each beneficiary’s vision of where they would like to be.
Young people out of education, training and employment; local people facing obstacles
to employment in the community; individuals from marginalised backgrounds such as the refugee pathway or offending histories - we supported over 1,700 people in 2020-21 from all of these areas and more to build the self- confidence, skills and capabilities they need to progress with their lives and reach their goals.
Our beneficiaries work with us to create their personal development plans, participate in CV workshops, work experience placements and volunteering. They also have access to enterprise development and self-employment support, job application guidance and opportunities with inclusive partner employers
to progress towards and into work - with Aspire also providing financial support for training courses, obtaining personal identification, and funds for travel or emergency costs, through our Welfare Fund. Once in work, beneficiaries receive ongoing advice and mentoring to ensure they are settling in well, and are supported with any issues that may arise.
“I came to the
UK as a refugee through
the UN Resettlement Scheme. Aspire helped me to find an opportunity as a civil engineer in an international company. Aspire helped me a lot, supporting me in many different ways - I’m happy and have reached my dream!”
BASIL, ‘HIRE2INSPIRE’ AND REFUGEE PATHWAY BENEFICIARY
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“I had to move into a refuge, and I was at rock bottom. I was referred to Turning Point for support with drug addiction, and later to the Get Connected project. I’ve been working
on the project with Aspire since March, and have received support to develop structure, coping strategies, write a
CV, a personal development plan and an in-work support document. I’ve just completed the ‘Freedom’ programme’ and have nearly finished the ‘Own my Life’ course with Reducing the Risk. In addition to support around education, training and employment, I’ve been working with Aspire’s housing and recruitment teams - and I will soon be
starting a Care Worker role for St John’s Care in Witney.”
OLIVIA, ‘GET CONNECTED’ PARTICIPANT AND ‘HIRE2INSPIRE’ BENEFICIARY