Our goal is to help students attend, achieve and aspire!
We specifically work with secondary schools and pupil referral units in Yorkshire to provide extended work placements.
Our Steps to Success work experience programme has been developed over years of working with schools and education providers. Focus Training has 25 years experience in the training and counselling fields.
We have earned an excellent reputation for quality and efficiency because we closely support the student throughout the whole programme.
We know successful placements need on-going attention beyond sourcing and vetting the placement. We focus on keeping the students on track and encourage them to get the most from their placement.
Our team of placement managers provide a highly personal and dedicated service. We take the time to get to know the students and liaise frequently with their parents/guardians. We take a proactive approach to resolving placement issues and help the students to identify ways they can evolve their own placements.
Our ethos is to inspire and motivate students to take control of their future and progress into further education, training or employment.
The Steps to Success programme takes an inclusive approach and is designed to integrate everyone involved - the student, the school, the placement host and the parents/guardians.
Success Stories
- "Jacob learnt very quickly that working isn’t such an easy ride! He very much enjoys his work experience and is very proud of himself for doing so well. At school he is much calmer and has shown great interest in applying to college to study animal care. Jacob said the programme is perfect. I like the fact that Martin is easily contactable and approachable"
Parent
- "This has had a brilliant effect on my daughter – so much so, she has been offered a trial position in a local tea shop! I highly recommend Focus Training. Thank you for giving Tamara an opportunity to do better in life"
Parent
- "I'm really pleased with Aaron's progress. He has been sitting his exams, last one today. I can't believe the turnaround and I'm glad he is doing this for his own reasons. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the help and support that you have given Aaron and also myself. With your help, you managed to change a very bleak situation into a great opportunity for Aaron. Thank you so much".
Parent
- "Stephen started his work placement not knowing what line of employment he wanted to do when he left school. He was offered a position with a local car dealership working in the spares department; ordering parts on computers and dealing with the public. He has impressed his bosses with his attitude and commitment to the firm so much that they have offered him full-time employment when he leaves school. We as parents feel the programme offered by Focus Training has proved invaluable to Stephen through giving him the opportunity to experience life in the ‘real world’ outside of his education; and would like to thank the Focus Training team for their hard work and perseverance to a successful outcome."
Parent
- "Bradley has come on leaps and bounds doing his work experience. He has learnt many skills and works well with the mechanics. He has lots of confidence in the jobs he is doing. He would like to go to college to learn more."
Parent
- "Since Andrew has been doing his work experience, he has got more confident and has grown from a boy into a young man."
Parent
- "This program has helped Danny make his choice in life and helped him understand what work life is all about. Danny has decided to broaden his skills learnt and joined the army – Remes; he is due to start in Sep at Harrogate. Many thanks to your great team for all your help and support you have offered Danny and myself."
Parent
- "Reece did very well on this programme and with the help of everyone concerned he stuck at it for 18 months. I hope the things he learnt will stay with him for life. I think the team at Focus Training could not have done more. I have nothing but praise for you all. Thank you."
Parent
- "By attending Irwins on a weekly basis, Jackson’s confidence has grown and the exposure to different elements of the trade has greatened his knowledge. I am extremely pleased Jackson was given this opportunity."
Parent
