New Service - Northdale Employment Skills Pathways

Employment Skills Pathways at Northdale - are now live! 

Overview

Northdale is excited to announce the launch of our Employment Skills Pathways program specifically designed for adults with learning disabilities. This program offers a focused, time-limited pathway aimed at achieving specific workplace competencies and vocational outcomes. Unlike a traditional day service, the Employment Skills Pathways are outcome-driven, with participants working towards clearly defined employment goals tailored to their individual needs / pathways.

How It Works

Employment Skills Pathways participants attend the program for up to four days a week.

Each participant is assigned to their chosen vocational discipline, where they collaborate closely with an instructor to develop a robust set of workplace competencies relevant to that discipline. Participants are "on placement" within Northdale groups.

In addition to hands-on vocational training, participants also receive dedicated support to gain essential work readiness skills and build a comprehensive CV. This includes practical guidance on preparing for work, dressing appropriately, travel skills, handling money, and even making a packed lunch.

Program Details

The program is time-limited, running for 12 to 18 months, depending on individual needs and goals.

Attendance is up to four days per week, with participants dividing their time between hands-on vocational training (75% of time) and targeted skills development sessions (25% of time). 

Employment Skills Pathways Currently Available

Catering Assistant 

Work based responsibilities include serving customers, clearing tables, washing up, food hygiene, food preparation, using a till, and ensuring safe working practices.

Garden Centre Assistant 

Work based responsibilities include maintaining plant displays, watering, health and safety checks, customer interaction, stock replenishment, and till operation. 

Getting Ready for Work

This flexible pathway covers general work-based responsibilities and can also be tailored to specific employment goals or offers.

Employment Skills Pathways Under Development include

Clerical Assistant (work based responsibilities include answering phone, processing deliveries, welcoming visitors, ordering equipment, photocopying, filing, maintaining notice boards, and health & safety).

Cleaning Assistant (work based responsibilities include vacuuming, cleaning desks, cleaning kitchen, cleaning windows, safe use of cleaning materials, and health & safety).. 

Participant Outcomes 

Participants will: 

Complete tailored vocational training to build work place competencies and gain essential work readiness skills outlined in their individual Employment Skills Pathway. 

Produce a personal presentation showcasing their learning and achievements. 

Receive a written record of their achievements. Develop a comprehensive CV . Obtain written or verbal references upon request.

Receive guidance and support on identifying the next steps in their employment journey.

Employment Skills Pathways are an ideal step in-between full-time education and supported internships.

Signing up  

Our Employment Skills Pathways are available via North Yorkshire Council Health & Adult Services - ask you social care manager /  social worker. (The service is on the North Yorkshire Council Community Based Support Approved Providers List.)

If you're on direct payments, supported by another local authority or are self funding, the fee is £72 per day (6-hour session). For further information call 01609 770269 or email [email protected] or use the 'Ask about our services' form below. 

Program partners

The program works in partnership with North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning & Skills Service and Supported Employment Service.