Journey 2 Work

The Journey to Work Programme is delivered by Derby City Council to support young people aged 16–25 from priority cohorts into employment, education, or training. This includes young people who are NEET (not in education, employment, or training), care leavers, young people with SEND, and those from underrepresented groups.

The programme provides young people with the opportunity to:

• develop employability skills
• gain practical workplace experience
• build confidence,

while connecting them with local employers.

Since its launch, the programme has delivered four successful cohorts, with additional sector-focused programmes in construction, engineering, and digital skills. These sector-based programmes have already delivered two cohorts, with a third currently recruiting participants.

What the programme includes

The six-week programme is structured around three core elements:

1. Employability skills development

Delivered by Derby Adult Learning Service, participants attend weekly sessions focusing on:

• CV writing and job applications
• communication and workplace expectations
• confidence building and professional behaviours
• reflecting on skills developed during work placements

2. Work Placements with local employers

Participants gain hands-on experience in real workplaces, helping them to:

• build confidence and practical skills
• explore different career pathways#
• understand workplace expectations and team dynamics

3. 1:1 tailored support

Employment and Skills Supported Employment Officers provide:

• guidance on barriers to employment
• career goal setting
• ongoing support throughout the programme

Support for employers

Employers receive full support to ensure placements are structured, safe and valuable:

• Work Placement Programme Plan tailored to the employer
• completion of health and safety, risk assessment and safeguarding documentation
• pre-placement inductions and participant introductions
• regular check-ins and progress monitoring
• mid-point reviews and end-of-placement evaluations

Why employers get involved

Partnering with Journey to Work lets employers develop Derby’s future workforce while benefiting their organisation:

• access to emerging talent and potential future employees
• strengthen corporate social responsibility by creating opportunities for young people
• provides opportunities for current staff to develop coaching, mentoring, and line management skills
• build connections with Derby City Council and local skills initiatives
• help young people from priority cohorts gain confidence and work-ready skills

How it works for employers

• Express your interest – contact the Employment and Skills team.
• We help you set up the placement – programme plans and paperwork are completed with you.
• Host a placement – provide a supported work experience opportunity while we remain in contact.

Placement provider feedback

Derby Arena

The young people showed enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn. It was a pleasure to support them in their development.

Derby City Council DMC (Business Support)

The participant was proactive and adapted well to the team. We were happy to offer the young person an apprenticeship.

We are Padel

The placements were a great success, and the young people integrated well with our team. We hope to continue supporting such initiatives.

See the impact

Watch real-life stories from participants to see how the programme works in practice: Angel’s Journey to Work story.

Get involved

The Journey to Work Programme continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people while helping local employers engage with and develop Derby’s future workforce.

To get involved email, employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk or telephone 01332 956989