Preparing Salford residents who are furthest from the job market to pursue their dreams
Background
Elevate Salford is a programme funded by the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation to support, train and prepare people furthest from the job market to pursue their dreams to gain skills and employment including:
- People who have a criminal record
- People who are care experienced
- People who have served in the armed forces
- People who are refugees
Groundwork Greater Manchester were one of five charities who worked with Salford CVS and Salford City Council on the Elevate Salford – Learning, Skills & Work programme.
What support are we providing?
Learners on the programme first met with a Groundwork Key Worker at our base at The Beacon Centre. Key workers complete an initial assessment and then developed a programme of intensive coaching and mentoring which enabled each person to participates in training and activities which would help them achieve their personal goals.
Groundwork hosted a range of training and activities including:
- Vocational training courses
- Money management skills
- Work placements
- Volunteering
Our impact in numbers – 2025
- 107 people enrolled into the programme
- 31 people secured paid work after the programme
- 32 people moved into further or higher education
- 180 accredited qualifications were awarded
Testimonials
Feels good to be getting back to myself, bit by bit
You cannot imagine how important your support is to me and my family
I did it, I passed the test, and it’s thanks to you
Diana & Oscar’s Story
Diana and Oscar had arrived in the UK from Columbia with their two children with a newly granted refugee status. The family faced challenges familiar to many refugees, including moves between hotels, however despite these uncertainties both Diana and Oscar were determined from the outset to start work as soon as possible and were grateful that Groundwork could help.
Eskinder’s Story
Eskinder moved to the UK from Eritrea eight months ago in search of a better future with his family. Despite gaining refugee status with the right to work, he faced several challenges, one being his living conditions and the other his ability to work in the construction sector, where he needed to obtain a Health & Safety qualification and a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work in the sector.
Lee’s Story
Lee joined the Elevate Salford Project in August 2024 where he met Groundwork’s Employment Coach Kirsty. She spoke with Lee and was inspired by his positive energy. They discussed career options and agreed that construction could be a good option for Lee. Kirsty helped Lee access some qualifications needed for this career including his H&S Level 1 in construction and his CSCS card and after this helped him find work experience on a construction site.
