Ready2Work

 

Ready2Work

Ready2Work is the Foundation’s flagship career skills programme, supporting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who are facing barriers into employment to upskill and build career confidence. The programme involves one week of employability workshops covering CVs, interview skills and relationship building, followed by weeks of hands-on work experience.

In FY26, the Foundation continued to expand the reach and ambition of Ready2Work, delivering programmes across multiple regions in partnership with job centres, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and a growing network of referral partners. The programme continues to be tailored to candidates’ individual needs, with particular focus on ensuring access for those facing transport, childcare and digital barriers.

We continue to strengthen our approach by consulting recognised experts on how best to engage referral partners and jobseekers, drawing on the insight of specialists such as 4front Partners and the DWP to ensure our employment pathways reach the people who need them most.

Ready2Work Enable

Our partnership with Mencap on the Ready2Work Enable programme, which delivers real-world work experience for individuals with learning disabilities, continued to grow in FY26. Building on the success of early cohorts, including participants who have gone on to secure permanent roles within Mitie, we expanded placements across additional business units and geographies, ensuring that the programme reaches those who can benefit most.

Ready2Work Beyond Bars

The Mitie Foundation is empowering second chances and making a real difference in communities, including Millsike and Campsfield.

Across Immigration & Justice, colleagues are changing lives every single day. The Mitie Foundation is one of the clearest examples of that impact, opening doors for people who are determined to rebuild their futures.

Beyond Bars in the community – a standout success

In December, Beyond Bars was delivered in the London community for candidates who have been seeking employment support, at The Shard.

With support from Landscape Managers Trevor Sheppard, Gavin Ellington and James Sullivan, the Foundation team:

  • Interviewed 18 candidates
  • Offered roles to 7+ individuals for Seasonal Gritting Operator positions
  • Created a welcoming, human-centred recruitment experience

For many candidates, it was the first time they had felt comfortable in an interview since leaving custody. The event showed the power of bringing opportunity directly to people who are rebuilding their lives.

The future of Ready2Work

Under Plan Thrive, the Foundation’s ambition to reach more disadvantaged individuals across local communities has led to the development of a self-delivery model, due to launch in FY27. This will enable skilled social value managers on Mitie contracts nationwide to deliver programmes locally, supported by Foundation programme managers. The model will be piloted and rolled out during FY27 and is expected to benefit more than 100 people, with an expected conversion rate of 60%.

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Ready2Work is our flagship employability programme, designed to unlock potential and provide tailored support for individuals facing barriers to employment. Whether those who are long-term unemployed or people with disabilities, veterans, care-experienced young people, individuals experiencing homelessness or those with experience of the criminal justice system, we create meaningful opportunities that transform lives and strengthen our workforce. Through close partnership with charities and Mitie colleagues, we deliver lasting social value and help build a more inclusive future.

Mollie Green

Head of Mitie Foundation

Mitie colleagues.

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Ready2Work is our flagship employability programme, designed to unlock potential and provide tailored support for individuals facing barriers to employment. Whether those who are long-term unemployed or people with disabilities, veterans, care-experienced young people, individuals experiencing homelessness or those with experience of the criminal justice system, we create meaningful opportunities that transform lives and strengthen our workforce. Through close partnership with charities and Mitie colleagues, we deliver lasting social value and help build a more inclusive future.

Mollie Green

Head of Mitie Foundation

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Mitie colleagues.

Ready2Work

VodafoneThree – Newbury

Mitie Foundation delivered the Ready2Work programme at VodafoneThree’s Newbury campus following ongoing recruitment challenges within the Cleaning & Hygiene service line. Working in partnership with the Foundation, Ready2Work was introduced to provide an inclusive, effective route to attract, assess and retain new talent while supporting individuals facing barriers to employment.

Hollie joined the Ready2Work programme at VodafoneThree’s Newbury campus after spending approximately three months looking for work. During this time, traditional recruitment processes felt challenging, particularly while managing personal confidence and wellbeing.

From the outset, Hollie found Ready2Work a welcoming and supportive experience, describing it as feeling more like a social engagement than a high-pressure recruitment event. The programme delivery team placed a strong emphasis on understanding individual circumstances, including personal, financial and health considerations such as social anxiety or disability.

Throughout the programme, Hollie developed increased confidence in herself and greater ease in communicating with others, particularly in everyday workplace conversations. By taking the time to get to know her as an individual, the delivery team was able to support Hollie into a role that better aligned with her strengths and needs.

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Without the Ready2Work programme, I don’t believe I would have progressed as far as I have. It has made me feel more confident, capable and optimistic about my future. I would encourage others to take part, even if they feel unsure at first, as it provides a safe environment to learn, grow and gain valuable experience.

Hollie Edwards Smith

Cleaner

Hollie’s experience highlights how the Ready2Work programme supports both personal development and employability, helping individuals overcome barriers and move forward with confidence. Overall, the Vodafone team hired seven of the 11 candidates from the Ready2Work programme to join them in the cleaning team.