Building Careers
Shaping Futures
Specialist employability and skills programmes that turn barriers into progression.
We work with employment, skills and community partners across England to help people build confidence, develop skills and move into sustainable work.
Different barriers require different solutions.
People do not become unemployed for the same reasons, so effective employability provision cannot be one-size-fits-all. FST designs targeted programmes around the barriers affecting different participant groups.
Language development combined with employability, confidence and workplace communication.
Level Up – Young People
Activity-led employability support designed to re-engage young people and build confidence, resilience and work readiness.
Ready for What's Next – 50+
Helping people aged 50+ recognise their experience, build digital confidence and navigate today’s labour market.
Lone Parent Employment
Flexible support addressing confidence, caring responsibilities and realistic routes back into employment.
Second Chance
Specialist employability support for people with previous convictions, addressing confidence, disclosure and realistic employment opportunities.
Breaking Barriers
Targeted intervention for people experiencing long-term unemployment or multiple barriers to progression.
Bespoke Programmes
Tailored interventions designed with partners around specific cohorts, local need and commissioning outcomes.
Our Impact
Real People. Measurable Progress.
FST measures more than attendance. We look at what changes because someone participates – from confidence, communication and digital capability to work readiness, engagement and progression into employment.
Figures shown relate to the ESOL into Employment programme. As more programmes report data, this section will reflect FST’s full impact.
140+
ESOL learners supported in the last six months
11
ESOL cohorts delivered
86%
programme completion
20%
average employment outcome
33%
employment in highest-performing cohorts
How We Create Progression
1. IDENTIFY
Understand the participant, their starting point, aspirations and barriers.
2. PERSONALISE
Set meaningful goals and adapt support around individual and cohort needs.
3. INTERVENE
Deliver engaging, practical activities that address the barriers preventing progression.
4. CONNECT
Bring participants closer to the labour market through employers, workplace experiences and employment-focused activity.
5. MEASURE
Track distance travelled, work readiness, skills, engagement and progression.
6. PROGRESS
Create clear next steps towards employment, further support or continued progression.
Better Outcomes Through Partnership
Our strongest outcomes are achieved when delivery is joined up.
FST works alongside employment providers, Jobcentre teams, local organisations, employers and specialist services to ensure our programmes complement the participant’s wider employment journey.
From initial mobilisation and learner engagement through to delivery, reporting and progression, we work as an extension of our partners’ support.
Testimonials
Find out what people are saying about their experiences with us
"I enjoyed the course and found it to be a great experience. My tutor, Kelly, was very helpful, guiding me every week as I learned about mental health support. The course was amazing. My favorite part was learning about supporting friends and family. I aim to use this knowledge to bring positive change to my life and provide support to people in the hairdressing industry!"
Adriana G.
Stress, Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms
"I have loved this course so much, and it has helped me immensely. Maria has been amazing. What a wonderful lady she is! She has been a huge support to everyone in the group, and the whole group was lovely and supportive. I am fully looking forward to doing the resilience training again with Maria in the future. A massive thank you to everyone. You are all incredible, and thank you for this opportunity. I highly recommend it to everyone; honestly, just do it. You will love it, and it will help."
Linz C.
Stress, Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms
"I felt confident on the first day, experienced stress on the second day leading up to the final day. However, the instructor helped me relax, and I regained confidence for my final assessment. The staff are fantastic for a chat and putting you at ease. There was plenty of food and drinks if needed. I would choose to return here for future training, and I would recommend FST to anyone seeking FLT or other training."
Nigel H.
FLT Experience Operator Training
"The course was excellent, even for an experienced operative. I learned much more about forklift operation than I expected.
I am very happy with the experience and 100% recommend this training"
I am very happy with the experience and 100% recommend this training"
Malcolm M
FLT Re-familiarisation
“Great course! I learned a lot of things that have given me more confidence in myself regarding what to do in case of an emergency with my own child. Additionally, gaining the knowledge to be a first aider could also help someone in the future"
Ana B.
First Aid for Parents and Carers
“The training centre is a fantastic learning place with good, skilled instructors. They offer effective training on the CSCS labourer course, ensuring you fully understand the details of the job”
Oluseyi O.
CSCS Course with Green Card
"Absolutely brilliant - Kelly was very clear and explained things very well, demonstrating her extensive knowledge. I will certainly be booking more training. Thank you so much!"
Gemma B.
First aid for Parents and Carers
“My instructor, Steven, was attentive and informative throughout the course. I highly recommend Forward Step Training and look forward to taking other courses they offer”
Nigel B.
Novice Counterbalance FLT Course
"I had a positive experience during my course, thanks to the welcoming trainer who was both nice and helpful. I would recommend them for FLT and other courses"
Darryl S.
Experienced Operators FLT Course