The project was developed in October 2018 as part of Riverside’s 90th Birthday celebrations. It is a grants programme for Riverside customers to enable them to pursue their academic or professional goals.

The programme has supported over 160 customers through a diverse range of professional courses, including Phlebotomy, HGV, Teaching Assistants, Training for the Construction Industry, Social Care and Business Start Up courses for Translators, Cake Business and Hair & Beauty.   Group projects have enabled us to work creatively with partners to develop bespoke training to meet specific needs, through the Driving Back to Work, Kick Start into Construction and Give Get Go projects.

The Ladders of Aspiration has proved to be highly successful with 100% course completion and 75% moving into employment six months after completing training.  The results show that when customers are given the opportunity to return to learning, they are committed, motivated and make future plans to continue learning to enhance career opportunities.

Through the Riverside Employment & Training Officers all our customers are provided with individual tailored support to source the training courses, develop their employability skills and support with career information, advice and guidance.