Creating Pathways into Employment

Southampton City Council is supporting more residents to overcome barriers to employment through its Connect to Work programme, a practical example of the city’s landmark Growth and Prosperity Plan.

Delivered by the council’s Employment Support Team, the programme provides personalised one-to-one support for people facing health-related and complex barriers to finding or sustaining employment. This includes career guidance, skills development, training opportunities, work experience and ongoing in-work support.

A recent success story is TJ, an 18-year-old Southampton resident who secured his first paid role in the construction industry after receiving tailored support from the team. Working alongside employer partners, including Dodd Group, the M&E contractor on the Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre project, the team helped TJ prepare for employment and make a successful start in a role that aligns with his long-term career ambitions.

Connect to Work is one of several initiatives helping residents develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to access opportunities in Southampton’s growing economy. By working closely with employers, education providers and partners, we are creating clearer pathways into sustainable employment and ensuring more people can benefit from the city's growth.

TJ's long-term career path is to secure a role in scaffolding and Morgan Sindall have been able to introduce him to Skill Scaffolding, another supply chain partner on this project, to help achieve his ambition.

TJ said: “It’s been going really well, and I enjoy it every day! This job suits me so well and I don’t think we could have found anything more perfect. I am learning so much every day. It’s so good to have money coming in and to be enjoying my work.”

Matt Clarke, Regional Director for Dodd Group, said: “We've been able to welcome TJ, who has joined the team to gain valuable on-site experience, develop new skills, and rebuild his confidence as he works towards long-term employment. TJ was understandably apprehensive about joining a live construction site, however, with the support and encouragement of the team on site, he has quickly settled in, thrived, and become a valued member of the project.”

Sam, Employment Specialist, Southampton City Council, said: "I'm so happy TJ is feeling confident in his new role at Dodd Group as a Labourer/Stores Person. This position worked well for TJ as he is starting off in the construction industry after gaining his CSCS qualification. The role allows TJ to ease into employment and the team at Dodd Group have been extremely supportive resulting in a positive outcome for both of them."

Susan Dee, Social Value Manager, Morgan Sindall Construction, said: "At Morgan Sindall Construction, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for local people through our projects. By working closely with Southampton City Council and our wider supply chain partners, we can support young people like TJ with opportunities to overcome initial barriers to employment. We are proud to have supported him on his journey and connect him with future opportunities to align with his long-term career goals in scaffolding. This is a great example of how collaboration can change lives and create lasting social value legacies within our communities."

Read more on TJ's story and find out how as an employer you can get involved in creating unique opportunities for local people here: https://soton.cc/3TUxvIF