Forward2Work

“to provide young people with learning disabilities work based training and supported employment opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.”

Forward2Work seeks to develop work related skills in Retail, Catering, Computing, Horticulture, Food Preparation, IT and Basic Office Skills

Download the Forward2Work Leaflet (PDF).

Forward2Work?

Forward2Work is a training programme that gives young people aged 16 – 25 with learning disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, the skills they need to enter the workplace. It helps them to build self-confidence, realise their full potential, and ultimately, take control of their lives. Forward2Work offers a structured programme of vocational training modules accredited by City & Guilds. The programme provides quality training and work-based learning, hands-on work experience and supported employment. Courses include catering, retail, gardening, IT and office skills, and social care.

Who benefits?

Forward2Work is for young people with learning disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The programme works alongside special schools, community groups, social services, businesses and other not-for-profit organisations to provide the very best training and support. Everyone benefits from Forward2Work: the student, the employer and society.

What is the need?

Young people with learning disabilities often find themselves outside the social service system and often become disengaged from society. There are no official statistics, however The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities estimates that there are at least 580,000 people with mild learning disabilities in the UK and that there may even be as many as 1,750,000. Autistic Spectrum Disorders alone are believed to affect the lives of more than half a million families in the UK. Whatever the exact figures, our research and work with people with learning disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorders shows that there is a real and growing need for programmes like Forward2Work.

How does it work?

At the core of the programme is the philosophy of ‘Person-Centred Planning’ and ‘In Control’. Forward2Work is all about tailoring training and support to the individual’s specific needs. An initial assessment is used to discuss a candidate’s goals and ambitions, explore possible career paths and identify strengths and weaknesses. This is followed by basic skills training, including literacy, numeracy, confidence building and time keeping. Training in specialist skills, CV preparation, interview skills and work experience follow the initial stages. Students then move on to job finding and are given any transitional support they need. We also offer training to local businesses in interviewing and employing young people with learning disabilities. Forward2Work gives young people with learning disabilities a sense of achievement. They gain valuable life skills that not only help them into the workplace, but also help them integrate into the community.

Who is behind the programme?

Forward2Work has been developed by Pepenbury, a provider of residential and day care services for adults and young people with learning disabilities. Pepenbury is in a perfect position to deliver the Forward2Work programme. We have been working with people with learning disabilities since 1927 and currently offer accommodation for 84 residents and have 150 support staff working with them. We are situated in 100 acres of beautiful Kentish countryside where we grow produce for our on-site farm shop and other local businesses. Our residents run a successful catering business, work in our shop in nearby Southborough and work with local employers such as Tesco, Sainsburys, garden centres, restaurants and a local bookshop. This invaluable programme makes a positive difference in the lives of young people with learning disabilities. It helps them to feel valued, grow in confidence through the difficult transition into adult life and gives them the tools to move towards greater independence.

...there are at least 580,000 people with mild learning disabilities in the UK...

there may even be as many as 1,750,000.