Specialist Employer Engagement, Inclusive Workforce Training and Progression Support

Keys Training® supports Connect to Work providers, local authorities and prime contractors with a focused three-stage model designed to increase disability employment opportunities.

Rather than trying to deliver every part of Connect to Work, we provide specialist support where we can add the most value: employer readiness, industry-focused skills training and practical progression into work.

Our Three-Stage Approach

1. Employer Engagement & Disability Workforce Readiness

One of the biggest barriers to disability employment is not always unwillingness from employers. It is often uncertainty.

Many employers want to be more inclusive but lack confidence around recruitment, reasonable adjustments, workplace support and legal risk.

We help local employers become more confident, prepared and willing to employ disabled people through practical, employer-focused training and engagement.

This can include:

• Inclusive recruitment workshops
• Understanding reasonable adjustments
• Supporting neurodiverse employees
• Building inclusive workplace cultures
• Reducing legal and compliance concerns
• Employer networking sessions
• Creating local employer champions

Because we already work with employers across the region, we can help build engagement quickly and create early momentum.

2. Industry-Specific Skills Training

We deliver practical, instructor-led training designed around real job opportunities and local employer demand.

Each pathway is shaped around the skills, behaviours and workplace expectations employers actually need. This helps participants build confidence while giving employers greater trust in the people progressing through the programme.

Training pathways may include:

• Health & Social Care
• Retail
• Receptionist Skills & Administration
• Customer Service
• Events & Hospitality
• Cleaning & Facilities Management
• Warehousing & Logistics
• Manufacturing & Production
• Construction & Trades Support
• Education & Childcare Support

All sessions are delivered face-to-face by experienced trainers in a supportive and engaging environment.

3. Employer Matching, Job Carving & Progression

The final stage connects prepared participants with inclusive employers.

Because employers have helped shape the training pathways, they have greater confidence that participants are developing the skills needed for their workplace.

This stage can include:

• Job carving and role matching
• Employer introductions
• Industry-specific recruitment events
• Supported interview opportunities
• Local employer networking
• Progression into work experience, placements or employment

We can also support sector-focused recruitment events, bringing together employers who are actively recruiting with participants who have completed relevant training.

Why Keys Training®?

Keys Training® has over 19 years’ experience delivering instructor-led training to employers, public sector organisations and individuals across the North of England.

Our strength is that we support both sides of employment:

We help employers become more confident and inclusive.

We help participants develop the workplace skills, confidence and understanding needed to progress into work.

This creates a more joined-up, practical and sustainable route into employment.

A Focused Partner for Connect to Work

Our model is designed to complement existing supported employment provision, not replace it.

We support Connect to Work delivery by strengthening:

• Employer confidence
• Inclusive recruitment
• Workplace readiness
• Sector-specific skills
• Participant progression
• Local employer networks