Connect to Work Participants
What is Connect to Work?
The Connect to Work programme launched in Hertfordshire in August 2025 and is designed to support residents with disabilities, health conditions, or complex barriers into meaningful employment.
Delivered locally by a variety of providers including Sunnyside Rural Trust, this UK Government-funded programme is part of a nationwide effort to reduce economic inactivity and promote inclusive workplaces.
It is a free programme with no cost to participants, referrers or local businesses.
Hertfordshire is one of the first regions to benefit from the government’s £100 million funding boost to the Connect to Work programme. This investment is part of a broader national strategy to help over 300,000 people across England and Wales transition into secure, well-paid jobs. Read more: £100 million cash boost to help thousands into work across the country – GOV.UK
Connect to Work is a personalised Supported Employment programme that pairs eligible individuals with dedicated Employment Advisors. These advisors work one-on-one with participants to build tailored employment plans, focusing on “place and train” strategies rather than traditional job searching. The programme is open to Hertfordshire residents aged 18 and over who are either unemployed or are at substantial risk of losing their job due to their disability, health or personal challenges.
Step2Skills is currently working in partnership with Action Deafness, Get Set, HACRO, SPS Training Solutions Ltd, Sunnyside Rural Trust and Watford Women’s Centre to help deliver the programme to local Hertfordshire residents, aged 18 and over.
Who we can help
Sunnyside Rural Trust can help you find work if you are:
A Hertfordshire resident;
Who is aged 18 or over;
With a disability, a health condition or complex barriers to getting work
Or, in work but struggling to retain your job.
You must want to find work. Our Employment Advisors can support you with everything else on your unique journey into work.
We understand that no two journeys are the same.
Connect to Work is a free programme, with no cost to participants, referrers or businesses.
Barriers to work may include:
- disability or long-term health condition
- mental health condition
- neurodivergence
- caring for someone or used to care for someone (ex-carer)
- experiencing homelessness
- being in foster care or a care leaver
How we can help
After we check that you are eligible for help under the UK Government-funded programme, Connect to Work, Step2Skills will assign you an Employment Advisor.
Following a recognised Supported Employment framework, our experienced Employment Advisor will work with you on a one to one basis. Together, you’ll build a plan that works towards you finding a job that matches your skills, experience, and interests, supporting you every step of the way. Our aim is to rapidly “place and train” you into a role rather than use traditional job searching methods.
Your journey:
Getting to know you
We’ll meet with you and talk about your strengths, experience, and what you would like to achieve. We’ll also discuss things you may need additional help with and start to talk about what kind of jobs you would like to do.
Guidance and support
Depending on what you need, we will start to work on things like building your CV, job interview practice and building your confidence through short work tasters.
Job searching
With a better understanding of your skills and career goals, we can now support you in applying for suitable roles with our network of employers that will be able to provide you with any additional support you may need.
Continued support
Now you’ve found a job, we will work with you and your new employer to make sure you settle in well and are receiving the training and support you need to succeed.
For more information and to see some examples of people who have been supported through the programme, please visit: Connect to Work