The success of a district-wide project is being celebrated after it helped 50 people get into work.

The Steps scheme has helped people develop the basic skills needed to access community health and social care employment and education opportunities.

Voluntary and community sector agencies provided representatives and training programmes aimed at giving people the right skills and knowledge to get back to work.

Steps stands for support, training, encouragement, practical, skills and jobs in health. Gurmit Jauhal, Steps project co-ordinator for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “The Steps project has brought together businesses, community groups and the voluntary and public sector to help those that are disadvantaged and trying to get into work.

“The project highlights the success of partners working together in a pro-active way to help people achieve their goals in education and employment.

“It’s not just the individuals who were part of the Steps training that have benefited but their families have also benefited through improved well-being.”

One of the success stories is 30-year-old Rukmini Gohain who came to Bradford from India with her partner in 2006.

She had previously worked as a volunteer at home but lacked the confidence to show her skills in interview situations in a new country.

Rukmini successfully completed 52 hours of the Steps programme helping her to gain employability and communication skills.

She then had a three-month work placement in which she developed her IT and administrative skills and was offered a part-time job at the West Bowling Debt Advice Centre.

After exploring employment opportunities and gaining experience in various organisations, Rukmini then got a job at Action for Business as a conference assistant and receptionist and has worked there for eight months.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A