STEPZ – Empowering communities in east London through employability skills training

Written by Abdale Ali, STEPZ Project Coordinator

We are delighted to share the success of the STEPZ employability project, a joint initiative between the ELBA Employment Programme and partner SEGRO.

Launched in 2023, STEPZ provided 8 weeks of employability skills training and 3 months of mentoring support to unemployed East London residents facing barriers to work. Through STEPZ, 34 participants gained career-building support, 17 secured employment through the workshops and mentoring, whilst 5 enrolled in full-time education programmes.

Sally Mbula was struggling to find a job when she joined the STEPZ programme. She received advice and top tips about how to navigate the job market and prepare to be a strong candidate. After receiving interview techniques support and completing successful mock interviews during STEPZ, Sally secured a job as Admin Assistant at Capita.

Keiron Charles entered the STEPZ programme lacking confidence and struggling to find employment. Through the workshops, he learned valuable skills and gained the support of a dedicated mentor, Edna Robinson, Assistant Health & Safety Manager, SEGRO. Keiron slowly came out of his shell and built his self-confidence. He credits the mock interviews with sharpening his skills enough to finally land a job as an Analyst. Now employed, he looks back on his STEPZ experience as pivotal in empowering him to get to where he is today.

With SEGRO’s continued support, the future looks bright for the STEPZ model.

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