Our World of Work scheme is going from strength to strength.
In the year ending March 2026, we ran four support and learn courses attended by 57 participants. During the year, 24 participants secured paid roles with St Leger Homes as cleaners, caretakers' assistants, office assistants or external property maintenance operatives.
The scheme is helping local people build confidence, develop new skills and gain valuable work experience, while providing a route into long-term employment. Several participants have since secured permanent roles with St Leger Homes, including two who have started apprenticeships. Many others have gone on to find work with other employers.
Kirsty is one of our World of Work participants and said:
"Having worked on both the World of Work Cleaning and Property Maintenance teams, I can honestly say the World of Work scheme has changed my life and it's been the best opportunity I have taken.
"I was looking to do something different, and having completed the initial four-week cleaning course and then securing a six-month paid job with St Leger Homes, I realised that it was not just me learning new skills, it was also an opportunity to meet new people and play a part in helping local communities and vulnerable people.
"In the cleaning role, I gained a lot of job satisfaction seeing the smiles on new tenants' faces when they first came into a property that I had cleaned.
"Since starting my new role on the External Property Maintenance side in September 2025, the work I am assisting with is helping people with mobility around their properties, as well as improving the look of local neighbourhoods.
"I would recommend anyone who is looking for new employment to consider joining the World of Work scheme."
The success of the scheme is something World of Work Team Leader Nigel Blackburn has witnessed first-hand over the past nine years.
Nigel said: "I've managed the World of Work Team for the past nine years and during that time I have had a great deal of satisfaction from seeing each new trainee progress through the scheme, developing and gaining new skills and confidence as the time passes.
"It's great to see them progress and, in many cases, achieve a permanent position with us. Over the years there have been many success stories and it's been a pleasure to be involved in something that has been life-changing for those trainees."
Career Start Coordinator Kevin Butler said the scheme continues to benefit both participants and St Leger Homes.
"More and more customers and other unemployed people who choose to join the World of Work Scheme are attending one of our courses, coming to work for us for six months and then securing permanent employment with us.
"The scheme helps trainees build confidence, learn new skills and offers a potential route into permanent work, providing stability and helping people take control of their lives and financial situation.
"St Leger Homes benefits too, as we gain a dedicated and enthusiastic workforce that is keen to build a great reputation and give something back to local communities."
The World of Work scheme also provides employment support for people who do not join a course, helping them access training, advice and opportunities that can lead to new employment.
Visit our World of Work scheme page to find out more.