Our Employment and Support Coaches play a pivotal role in leading our “Through the Gate” services.
They offer vital support, advice, and guidance to learners as they transition from training to stable employment. Their work involves liaising with learners before, during, and after release, as well as collaborating with partners across the criminal justice and construction sectors.
We have a dedicated team of coaches who assist individuals in following a personalised plan that addresses barriers to employment and ensures a smooth transition into the workforce. Our flexible, needs-based approach enables us to tailor support to the varying needs of participants, providing a consistent presence in their journey and ensuring they are matched with the right opportunities for sustainable employment.
Coaches engage with participants six months prior to their release, working across the prison estate to provide a range of services. This includes programme mobilisation, employer engagement, and initial assessments of participants. Coaches deliver training in both soft and hard skills, including accredited courses, and provide “Through the Gate” work and handovers to address vulnerabilities immediately after release. They also offer targeted pre- and post-employment support, which includes managing stress, basic money management, and budget planning, as well as diagnosing and addressing barriers to employment.
Additionally, Coaches help develop personalised learning plans and support participants in areas such as personal development, presentation skills, time management, dispute resolution, confidence building, and interpersonal skills. They provide assistance with CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation, while also offering information, advice, and guidance (IAG). Workshops on self-employment in the construction industry are also provided, covering topics such as record-keeping, tax returns, and CIS. Coaches support job brokerage, sourcing opportunities, and liaising with employers, as well as facilitating handovers to our social enterprise for those joining our in-house site team.
Coaches also assist with CSCS support, including Health & Safety qualifications, practice sessions, test booking, and card ordering, and can refer participants to other sector-specific accredited training, such as asbestos awareness. We provide travel and subsistence for the first two weeks of employment, along with safety equipment and a starter tool kit.
Post-employment support continues for up to a year, with more intensive assistance provided in the first six months. During this time, Coaches manage expectations for both ex-offenders and construction partners, offer ongoing liaison and support for employers, and mentor individuals until they are fully settled. They remain a point of contact for both work and personal issues, providing in-work support for both participants and employers to resolve any challenges. Coaches also provide detailed reports and feedback on participants’ progress through the programme.
