Since 2005, Thames Reach has been running paid traineeships within our projects for homeless and vulnerable people. Traineeships are also available to people from black and minority ethnic communities or those looking to start a second career in the voluntary sector.
For people who have experienced homelessness, the traineeships provide the first step towards financial independence. They also help combat the discrimination these people often face when trying to find work.
The traineeships have also helped to further our Giving Real Opportunities for Work (GROW) scheme. This aims to foster an environment, within Thames Reach and across the sector, which accepts and encourages employees who have personal experience of homelessness.
Trainees are coached to make sure they meet the needs of a highly-professional organisation. In turn, the charity benefits from their first-hand knowledge of homelessness. They also provide inspirational role models for others looking to rebuild their lives.
The traineeships include:
- An induction session covering issues such as professional boundaries, health and safety and managing relapse
- Ongoing training
- A placement supervisor who offers the trainee support, direction, feedback and an evaluation of their work
- Development opportunities, such as a chance to work in another area of the organisation supporting people with different needs
- A life-coach who with whom the trainee can discuss any concerns, such as stress levels, identity, balancing life and work and financial worries
- Assistance with job searching and interview preparation
While most traineeships have been based within projects that provide face-to-face support, some trainees have worked in our central office in fields such as IT, HR and finance.
At the end of their placement, trainees should have the skills and experience they need to be able to compete for jobs on a level playing field. These may either be within Thames Reach or at other organisations.
Apply for a trainseeship.
