Employment Services

The team offers four programmes of tailored support provided by our qualified advisors.

Next Step

An information, advice and guidance service as part of our 'Next Step' contract. This is a UNIVERSAL and FREE signposting service that can help you gain a qualification, find out where to obtain training grants, discover more about volunteering, help you to access job opportunities and so much more.
Download the Nextstep Leaflet here (136k PDF)

Pathways To Work

In partnership with Training Network Group ( TNG) and Jobcentre Plus this programme offers a supported route back into employment for people with a disability or health condition who are currently on Incapacity Benefit. In addition to WDP's team of Employment Advisors and Job Coaches, specialist support is also available for those interested in self-employment or who may benefit from a Condition Management Programme. A weekly paid Return to Work Credit of £40 is paid for 52 weeks to Incapacity Benefit claimants who start work and earn less than £15000 p.a.
Download the Pathways Brochure here (4MG PDF)

Routeways ( Skills for Jobs)

In partnership with Warrington Borough Council, Warrington Collegiate and the Learning and Skills Council the programme offers an individual programme including an initial assessment, pre-employment training, job brokerage and pre and post employment support. Routeways is available for Warrington residents who are aged 19 or over and who have a Skills for Life Level 1 or a sector Level 2 skills gap. Each individual is supported by WDP's team of Employment Advisors and Job Coaches.
Click here to download a Factsheet about Job Coaches.( 300kb PDF)

Warrington Collegiate offers training in a range of subjects to support the programme. These include First Aid, Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Money Matters, Confidence Building. In addition there is the facility to create a range of courses as identified by the preferences of people registering on the programme. Pre and Post employment support from our Job Coach is a key feature in the success of this programme in accessing and sustaining jobs with training.

The team has particular expertise in helping people with disabilities, lone parents and benefit claimants sustain employment and offers advice on the funding available through the Towards Work Support and Warrington Employability Funds. The team also advises employees and employers on the DWP Access to Work scheme, the two ticks symbol and offers direct support on recruitment and retention matters.(More details on all these services are available via the menu on the left.)

Access to Work - practical help at work

Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs. Access to Work might pay towards the equipment you need at work, adapting premises to meet your needs, or a support worker. It can also pay towards the cost of getting to work if you cannot use public transport, or if you need a communicator at job interviews, Access to Work may be available, too.

Visit this website for more information regarding Access to Work.
You can also visit the Access to Work Contact Centre

So if you want to make a positive change in your life but aren't sure where to begin or who to speak to - contact WDP's employment team today.

Ring 01925 240064 and ask for Employment Team OR EMAIL; employmentteam@disabilitypartnership.org.uk

Alternatively just call in and make an appointment. We are located at Beaufort Street, Warrington WA5 1BA