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Connect to WorkÌýis aÌývoluntaryÌýsupportedÌýemploymentÌýprogrammeÌýlaunched by theÌýDepartment for Work and Pensions (DWP)Ìýto help people acrossÌýEngland and WalesÌýfind, secure, andÌýsustain employment.ÌýWe are proud to be delivering the programme in Newcastle, in partnership with Groundwork, Newcastle City Council, JET, and Triage.Ìý

Connect to WorkÌýprovides intensive,ÌýpersonalisedÌýhelp, including individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching servicesÌýand ongoing support for both participants and employers to ensure sustainable employment outcomes.Ìý

Designed to support up toÌý100,000 individuals,ÌýtheÌýprogrammeÌýplays a key role in theÌýUKÌýGovernment’sÌýGet Britain WorkingÌýstrategy to tackle economic inactivity.Ìý

AtÌýedt, our purpose isÌýtoÌýincrease the life chances of individuals by improving education and skills outcomes. ThisÌýaligns closely with theÌýfocus of theÌýConnect to WorkÌýprogrammeÌýin helping people withÌýhealth conditions, disabilities, or complex barriersÌýto access meaningful, lasting employment.

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Participant journey on Connect to Work

Participants will first discuss their support needs with a dedicated employment specialist, before building a personalised vocational profile and action plan, based on their skills, interests and goals. They will then be matched with suitable job opportunities and will meet with employers to align on skills that are in demand.ÌýOnce in employment, participants will receive support with buildingÌýrelevantÌýskills, adapting to workplace culture, and advancing their careers.

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Collaborative, person-centred delivery

Through ourÌýperson-centredÌýapproach, we go beyondÌýjob matchingÌýbyÌýbuilding confidence,Ìýsupporting wellbeing,ÌýandÌýchampioningÌýlong-term success in work.ÌýWorking together, weÌýare helping to shape a more inclusive and resilient workforceÌýbyÌýcombining:Ìý

• deep local knowledge and trusted community relationshipsÌý
• provenÌýexpertiseÌýinÌýcareers guidance, skills training, and employment supportÌý
• a shared commitment to inclusion and positive social impact.Ìý

This collaborative approach ensures that delivery isÌýlocally tailored, effective, andÌýsustainable,Ìýsupporting people toÌýmove forward with confidence.

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DrivingÌýsocialÌývalue andÌýlastingÌýchange

ForÌýus, Connect to Work is more than aÌýprogramme;ÌýitÌýisÌýa chance toÌýcreate lasting social value.ÌýIt builds on ourÌýpreviousÌýexperienceÌýinÌýsupporting more thanÌý2,000 peopleÌýmove into employment throughÌýEuropean Social Fund (ESF)ÌýprogrammesÌýweÌýdelivered between 2020 and 2023,Ìýand the hundreds more we supported into employment during 2024ÌýandÌý2025 throughÌýShared Prosperity FundÌýinitiatives.ÌýÌý

In delivering Connect to Work,ÌýweÌýareÌýcommitted to:Ìý

• breaking cycles of inactivity by addressing barriersÌýthatÌýhelp individuals reconnect with work and society
• encouraging collaborationÌýbetween local authorities, training providers, and employers to build a more inclusive labour market
• strengthening local economiesÌýby increasing employment, and driving economic growth, social cohesion, and community resilience.