The Work Ready Pathway – Post 16

Earn & Learn Business Support Pathway

A three-stage, experiential, trauma-informed pathway designed to prepare young people for the world of work through meaningful learning, relational support, and real paid workplace experience.

This pathway is designed to be delivered over one academic term, while still allowing for extended progression where funding or placement continues.

Program Overview:

Stage 1: Business Support Trainee

Purpose: To introduce the young person to the world of work through a supported, trainee role that builds confidence, routine, and understanding of workplace expectations.

Success Indicators: With support, the young person attends consistently and on time, engages in short work periods, follows basic instructions, communicates needs appropriately, and maintains regulation during tasks.

Stage 2: Business Support Assistant

Purpose: To develop competence, confidence, and reliability through increased responsibility and reduced supervision.

Success Indicators: The young person contributes meaningfully to daily operations, takes ownership of parts of their shift, shows pride in their role and responsibilities, and demonstrates increasing independence.

Stage 3: Business Support Officer

Purpose: To consolidate employability skills and prepare the young person for transition into employment, FE, or an apprenticeship.

Success Indicators:The young person works reliably with minimal supervision, demonstrates confidence and professionalism, understands their strengths and areas for development, and has a clear, realistic next-step plan.

Who the Programme Is For

The Work Ready Pathway supports learners to move into sustained employment by combining paid work, structured learning, and applied workplace projects.

The programme is trauma-informed, recognising that learners may have experienced disrupted education, low confidence, anxiety, or previous negative experiences of work or learning.
Learners progress through three employment stages, building confidence, competence, and independence, supported by clear expectations, mentoring, and practical application of learning.