Article 14/10/2025

Boosted careers support in England as edt to deliver Connect to Work programme

We are delighted to be delivering the Connect to Work programme in England, which will provide intensive, personalised support for individuals moving into, and staying in, work.

Connect to Work is a voluntary supported employment programme designed to tackle economic inactivity, by providing a specific form of support targeted at individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or complex barriers to employment. The programme provides intensive, personalised help, including individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services, and ongoing support for both participants and employers to ensure sustainable employment outcomes. It is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and commissioned by mayoral combined authorities across England and Wales.

We are proud to be delivering the programme in Newcastle, in partnership with Groundwork, and in Sunderland, in partnership with Sunderland Council.

Participants on Connect to Work will discuss their support needs with a dedicated employment specialist, and build a personalised vocational profile and action plan, based on their skills, interests and goals. They will then be matched with suitable job opportunities and will meet with employers to align on skills that are in demand. Once in employment, participants will receive support with building their social skills, adapting to workplace culture, and advancing their careers.

To provide further social value on the Sunderland programme, we are also working with Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance and committing to provide £3,000 in donations to five local community organisations (£15,000 in total). These organisations will spend the donations on miscellaneous items that will be of demonstrable benefit to their community. We will also support the community in Sunderland by hiring local people to work on the programme.

“We’re absolutely delighted that edt will be delivering Connect to Work. It is a privilege to support local people to reduce barriers and ensure long-term, sustainable outcomes. We are really looking forward to making a difference locally, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure success for all.”

Kiri Baxter, UK Skills Director, edt

We are pleased to be delivering this programme off the back of our successful UKSPF-funded employability programmes in multiple regions of England, supporting individuals to move into sustained employment. Over the last year, edt has engaged with thousands of individuals to address barriers to employment and supported them to make a positive transition into sustained work. We look forward to expanding our impact in employability, careers, and skills and supporting jobseekers on the Connect to Work Programme.

At edt, we have over 25 years of experience in careers advice and guidance, supporting individuals to build future-ready skills, make informed career choices, and access meaningful employment and lifelong learning. Find out more about our skills and careers work.

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