For most people, getting a job is a challenge.

But for homeless young people it can seem impossible, with many feeling they lack the qualifications, experience and self-confidence to even apply.

Aldershot charity Step by Step, which provides accommodation, support and education for homeless young people aged 16 to 25, is preparing to launch the second phase in a new scheme aimed at helping them find employment.

The Entry to Employment scheme, launched in April, intends to equip the young people with any skills they lack, from academic qualifications to the ability to find a suitable job and the self-belief to apply.

Volunteer fundraiser Clive Parnell said: “The scheme divides into two modules. First of all, we ask ‘What is stopping this young person getting a job? Then, we do something about it.”

Entry to Employment project worker Sarah Steel said homeless young people face a range of barriers to employment.

She said: “Some clients have qualifications that don’t reflect their abilities, and some have barriers like dyslexia.

“For those that have the capability but not the qualifications to match we can offer them a second chance through tutoring.

“For those who have dyslexia, we are able to address that through one-to-one tuition.

“The barrier some of our young people face is a driving licence — they can’t afford the lessons. So for a minority we’re able to fund that.” 

The new scheme is funded paid for by a donation from the Ann Rylands Special Project. Ann Rylands was the daughter of Thorn Lighting founder Sir Jules Thorn, and each year The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust runs a competition for selected charities to win a grant.

Step by Step was invited to compete for the The Ann Rylands Special Project, named in recognition of her outstanding charity work.

Mr Parnell said without the grant the young people would have given up on themselves.

“We are so grateful for the trust’s generosity,” he said.

“Before we started the programme, the young people who were turned away from jobs became so low and despondent.

“Through the programme we can improve their self-confidence and motivation by supporting them through every stage of the application process.”

The first stage of the programme, called the pre-work module, begins with an assessment of the literacy and numeracy of the young people, including dyslexia screening.

They are all encouraged to spend some time on a work experience placement, which Ms Steel said is an invaluable experience for them.

However, Ms Steel said that although the young people have a range of interests spanning carpentry to hairdressing, it

can be difficult to arrange placements for them.

“I would love to hear from any businesses that could provide a few weeks of work experience,” she said.  “Just a few weeks would make such a difference for the young people.”

The second stage of the programme, Getting to Work, will begin next month with a two-day training course teaching participants skills like CV-writing and interview technique.

The young people will be assigned a mentor, to help them identify appropriate job opportunities, prepare for the interview, and support them in their new role.

Mr Parnell said that although the Victoria Road-based charity has some excellent mentors, the young people would benefit enormously from more.

“Local business people would be ideal, so they can pass on their skills and knowledge. But most importantly of all, we are looking for people who would like to encourage and support a young person in achieving their potential.”

For more information about offering work experience or becoming a mentor, call Step by Step on 01252 312364, or email sarah.steel@stepbystep.org.uk.