Accessible Career
In Manchester, young people and communities from underserved communities continue to face significant barriers to entering meaningful employment.
According to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, structural inequalities — including a lack of work experience, limited networks, and low confidence — result in high levels of youth economic inactivity and a disconnect between talent and opportunity.
Traditional recruitment practices and early-career programmes often overlook those without prior exposure to the sector or professional environments. This creates a cycle of exclusion, where young people are locked out of the very opportunities designed to launch careers.
The Accessible Career Pathway Model was created to dismantle these barriers and offer structured, supported routes into employment — particularly in sectors where diversity and inclusion are still evolving.
What the programme does
Our Accessible Career Pathway Model is a three-stage framework developed in partnership with employers and shaped by the lived experience of the young people we serve. It supports participants from the moment they show interest in a career through to long-term job retention and progression.
The model includes:
Stage 1: Community Support Mentoring
Mentoring
Tailored 1-to-1 mentoring focused on confidence-building, goal-setting, and overcoming personal barriers
Soft Skills
Development of soft skills such as communication, time management, and self-leadership
Aspirations
Exploration of career aspirations and identification of sector interests
Stage 2: Industry Training & Placement
Training
Practical, hands-on training designed in collaboration with employers
Insight
… into the expectations, routines, and realities of sector-specific roles
Placements
Work placements that offer real-world experience and opportunities to apply learning
Stage 3: Graduated Job Start
Transition
Supported transition into paid employment
Mentoring
Ongoing mentoring to build resilience and sustain engagement
Progression
lear progression plans and pastoral support to navigate the early stages of the role
Throughout the model, we embed trauma-informed support, cultural competency, and wellbeing strategies — ensuring that each participant is equipped not only with skills, but with the confidence and stability to succeed in the workplace.
The change we hope to see
This structured pathway supports long-term access and retention in meaningful employment, aligned with:
Building Skills
Sector-specific and transferable skills are developed through training and placements.
Personal Growth
Mentoring and coaching build confidence, independence, and self-motivation.
Civic Responsibility
Participants reflect on their role in workplace culture and community contribution.
Social Mobility
The programme directly supports sustainable access into industries traditionally closed off to underserved communities.
Wellbeing Support
Ongoing pastoral support and trauma-informed mentoring provide emotional safety and stability.
By aligning each phase with our Holistic Development Model, we ensure that participants aren’t just getting into work — they’re building sustainable careers, transforming their futures, and reshaping representation within industries.
This model supports long-term change not just for individuals, but for employers and communities seeking inclusive growth and authentic social mobility.