Steps into Work programme

We're helping people who are neurodivergent, including people with learning disabilities, to gain skills and work experience.
steps into work

"Doing the work placements has given me the skills and the confidence to help me to know what I want to do in the future."

Holly, Steps into Work participant graduate 2021

About Steps into Work 

Steps into Work (SiW) is a 12-month programme that offers valuable work experience and employability skills training to people who are neurodivergent.

It's delivered in partnership with Shaw Trust, who like us value inclusion, collaboration and work to empower people to achieve their full potential.

Duration: From September to July, yearly.

Attendance: From Monday to Friday. Usually between the hours of 09:00-15:00.

Location: London and flexible working from home.

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We're looking for people who are

  • Aged 16+
  • Have neurodevelopmental differences such as mild to moderate learning disabilities, ADHD or autism

What the Steps into Work programme involves

The opportunity to complete three different work experience placements, lasting 8 - 12 weeks across our London offices, stations, piers and the Greater London Authority (GLA). The placements are designed to broaden understanding of the different work that TfL delivers.

What qualifications you'll get

You'll gain a Pearson's Employability Qualification Entry Level 3 - Level 2, to feel more confident and prepared to find work.

If you don't already have a level 2 in English and Maths, we'll give you support to gain these too.

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How you'll be supported

Our partners Shaw Trust will provide you with a Specialist Job Coach to support you at application stage right through to work placement.

Upon successful completion of the Steps into Work programme, your Job Coach will assist you in transitioning into paid employment.

Many of our former students have gained paid employment; some in TfL and many in other organisations too.

How to apply for the programme

Applications are now open.

Up to 24 people will be offered a place to join Steps into Work. We reserve the right to close this opportunity when we receive enough applications.

Our team will be on hand throughout the assessment stages to help you. Just follow these steps:

1. Complete the application form and email it to: supportedinternships@shaw-trust.org.uk

Shaw Trust offers a range of supported internships. To help match you to the right opportunity, explain why you would like to join this programme when completing this form.

2. Applicants will be shortlisted and invited for assessments to get to know you. This may include activities like:

  • Phone call
  • In-person meetings
  • Assessments on English, Maths and ICT
  • Practical group activity

The assessments are there to find the top scorers, but they also help us to understand if the programme is a good match for you. We'll keep you updated about every stage and make sure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and confident.

3. Shaw Trust will process your application.

4. Successful applicants will be notified and offered a conditional place on the programme. The programme will start in September 2024.

Your place on the programme is subject to you giving us with additional information to secure the funding needed. Shaw Trust will guide you through this process.

For more information, contact: stepsintowork@tfl.gov.uk