Step1 - Work

StepUp Durham offers a FREE employment readiness training ( Job Readiness Week ), personalized job coaching, employer referrals, and supportive services to job seekers, including those with barriers like a criminal background or gaps in work history.

This intake process starts with a one hour conversation focused on the job seeker’s goals and skills. This is the first step in the job seeker’s relationship with StepUp Durham. The relationship is 50/50. StepUp Durham uses its resources to connect job seekers to employers who trust StepUp Durham, while participants execute the skills they have learned to further their own independent job search.

Step1 Benefits include a $25 longevity bonus gift card for 90 days at the same job, access to scholarships from Durham Tech, unlimited mock interview practice through TalkHiring, referrals/Social Enterprise (once earned), supportive services once working, and ongoing access to Employment Counselor and Employment Team.

ENER-G: Empowerment, Networking, Employment, Resources - Growth. A weekly follow up meeting to Jobs Week where participants will continue building their network, meet with their Success Coach to address hiring needs, review job leads, meet employers, and receive financial coaching.

BUILD: Apprenticeship pathways to permanent employment for participants in Step1. BUILD supports people with a skills gap or stigma preventing them from landing permanent employment. BUILD placements last up to 12 weeks at up 16hrs/week, and StepUp Durham pays BUILD apprentices $20.00/hr for their work with the placement organization.