Steps to Work - Step two

Step Two offers a wide range of assistance to help you find and remain in work.

What is involved?

Everyone on Step Two will receive £15.38 each week and your benefits will not be affected by taking part in Steps to Work.

On Step Two you will be able to have more intensive one-to-one support if you have particular difficulties in finding or keeping a job. Additional specialist support may also be available for anyone who is interested in developing their skills in the music industry.

Back to Work

This normally lasts 8 weeks and can consist of work experience as well as the opportunity to do a short course.

Essential skills training

This element can last up to a maximum of 26 weeks and focuses on improving your skills in reading, writing or number work, as well as helping you to get a qualification while gaining experience in the workplace. You will receive an extra £10 per week and a £100 bonus when you achieve your qualification(s).

Qualifications

The qualifications strand of Steps to Work offers an opportunity to get recognised qualifications whilst gaining valuable work experience through a Vocationally Related Qualification lasting up to 26 weeks.

You could also complete the remaining units of a National Vocational Qualification which you have already started.

If your first language is not English you could address your work related language barrier and get work experience at the same time.

If you hold a full university degree, the Graduate Acceleration Programme could help you by providing a work experience placement and an opportunity to get a management qualification.

Graduate Acceleration Programme more information

Self-employment

For those interested in setting up their own business, this provides the opportunity for up to 26 weeks Self Employment 'Test trading', that is a period to try out your own business idea with support and guidance from an organisation experienced in self-employment issues. Test trading is only available to those in receipt of benefits.

Employer subsidy

If you have the opportunity of a job while you are on Steps to Work we may be able to offer the employer a subsidy for the first 26 weeks of your employment.

Step Ahead 2012 Phase 2

Step Ahead 2012 Phase 2 is a new initiative within the Steps to Work programme which offers temporary employment with Voluntary / Community sector organisations. It was introduced on 30 January 2012.

Step Ahead 2012 Phase 2 provides fixed term employment of up to 8 weeks. Recruitment to Step Ahead 2012 Phase 2 will be within a strictly limited time period. All participants must start on either Monday 6th February or Monday 13 February 2012.

Eligibility

There are two groups who are eligible to apply for Step Ahead 2012 Phase 2:

anyone in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance for three months or more
anyone on Income Support, Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance with no qualifying period

The jobs

The jobs will be with voluntary and community sector organisations, such as charities, community organisations, voluntary organisations, sports clubs and church organisations.

Other important information

Each Step Ahead 2012 Phase 2 participant will have:

a ‘Better-off Calculation’ conducted by an Adviser to help make a decision on applying for a Step Ahead 2012 job vacancy
a written statement of employment particulars
an opportunity to undertake an accredited training course while in employment (£100 can be paid on achievement of this qualification)
access to extra one to one support while participating
access to a Job Coach who will offer assistance with active jobsearch, development of a CV and job applications

Where can you get more information on Steps to Work?

You can get more information on Steps to Work by contacting an adviser in your local Jobs & Benefits Office or JobCentre. You can also ring 0800 353 530.