Welcome to STEP

This handbook has been produced by World Jewish Relief for STEP participants. It provides information about many different aspects of employment in the UK.

You can use it on your own and with your Employment Adviser.

World Jewish Relief is the British Jewish community’s international humanitarian and development charity. Founded in 1933 to rescue Jews fleeing Nazi Europe, we have been saving lives and livelihoods ever since.

STEP stands for Specialist Training and Employment Programme.

It is a support service provided by World Jewish Relief, delivered in partnership with different organisations across the UK.

STEP was first set up to help resettled Syrian refugees, but it has now been extended to support any refugees who live in the UK. The organisations providing STEP support can now be found all over England.

When you join STEP, you will meet a specialist Employment Adviser who will be your main point of contact.

They will support you as you improve your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the UK job market, and they will help you find a job that fits with your background, experience, skills, and ambitions.

STEP also partners with organisations that offer a variety of workshops and courses to help build confidence, networks, and other important skills.

Your Employment Adviser can help in the following areas. These topics are covered later in the handbook.

• Skills assessment

• Thinking about careers

• Understanding the types of jobs available

• Setting goals and creating action plans

• Understanding different pathways to achieve your goals

• Understanding the UK equivalents of your qualifications

• Building confidence and English language skills

• CVs

• Cover letters and job applications

• Interview preparation

• Helping you set up your own business

• Understanding UK workplace culture and etiquette

• Understanding your rights and responsibilities at work

• Staying in work once you have started a job

• Improving your personal and professional networks

• Finding courses and qualifications

• Training, education, and university opportunities

• Financial support and applying for funding

• Providing access to technology and helping you develop your IT skills Promoting health and wellbeing

• Understanding the benefits system

• Additional English language support

• Providing an interpreter to help with new vocabulary and concepts

• Signposting and referring to other support organisations for issues such as housing and mental health

STEP also offers specialised support through a number of partner organisations:

Behind the Scenes talks with industry leaders Career

Step into Business specialist support for launching a business

We ask that you:

• Commit to attending all sessions

• Arrive on time

• Let us know if you are going to be late

• Keep your Employment Adviser updated on your progress

• Do as much independent work as you can between sessions with your Employment Adviser

• Understand that progress can be slower than you may expect, and it can take time to get your ideal job