Thrive Futures: Holistic Employment Pathways Programme
Programme Vision
To break systemic cycles of poverty, exclusion, reoffending and inequality by equipping BAME, marginalised individuals with equitable access to training, skills development, sustainable employment, and wraparound support. We aim to create sustainable futures, social mobility, economic inclusion, and stronger communities across South Yorkshire.
Key Target Groups
- BAME and marginalised ethnic minority communities
- Migrant and refugee communities
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Ex-offenders and those with criminal records
- Long-term unemployed and economically inactive individuals
- Young people NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training)
Programme Pillars
1. Community-Based Employment & Digital Hubs
- Safe, inclusive spaces with free digital access
- Culturally competent employment and progression support
- One-on-one and group mentoring
- CV building, job search support, and interview preparation
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) support
- Language and Literacy coaching for migrant communities
- Dedicated 'Second Chance' desks for ex-offenders
2. Tailored Upskilling and Training Pathways
- Sector-based training through collaboration with training providers (e.g. health care, green skills, construction)
- Digital literacy from basic to advanced (including coding, using job search sites, LinkedIn and remote tools)
- Soft skills, leadership development, and workplace readiness
- Accredited vocational qualifications and flexible learning (Food Hygiene, Health and Safety)
3. Trauma-Informed Support & Mentoring
- Referral based mental health services i.e. therapy/counselling
- Lived experience peer mentors from within the community
- Group based wellbeing, mindfulness and resilience sessions
- Signposting to housing, mental health, financial and substance misuse support
4. Employer Engagement & Inclusive Hiring
- Offer guaranteed interviews, live vacancies and accessible work placements
- Facilitate inclusive workplace training to employers (EDI, cultural competency)
- Encourage "Ban the Box" and flexible employment models for ex-offenders
- Build diverse pipelines into industries with real growth, sustainability and retention
5. Sustainable Employment & Enterprise Pathways
- Post placement retention support and in work coaching (6?12 months)
- Enterprise development and self employment pathways
- Micro grants routes, cooperative support, social enterprise run by participants and startup mentoring
- Progression routes to degree apprenticeships or higher education
Programme Outcomes
- Reduced inequality in employment outcomes for BAME and migrant communities
- Increased economic inclusion, work readiness and digital literacy
- Improved mental health and confidence
- Better workplace diversity and inclusive recruitment
- Higher retention and progression rates in work
- Regeneration of underserved communities
- A stronger, more inclusive local economy