We’re working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to provide a new Pathways to Work service in Sheffield called Connect to Work.
This free support is for people in Sheffield who have challenges finding or staying in work. This includes those with disabilities, health conditions, SEND or other difficulties.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to work after a career break, or need help staying in a role, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
There are approx. 296,000 jobs currently available in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.
What you’ll get
A dedicated employment specialist who supports without pressure or judgement.
Help finding the right job – not just any job.
Support to stay in work, whether you’ve just found a role or you’re already employed but struggling.
Advice on benefits, CVs, interviews and more.
Why sign up
- It’s completely free.
- You won’t lose your benefits by joining and can opt out at any time.
- You choose what to share with employers.
- We’ll help you manage any challenges at work.
- We can work with your healthcare teams to ensure you get the right support.
Who’s eligible?
To apply for Connect to Work, you must:
- Be 18 or older.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK.
- Not be enrolled in a DWP employment programme.
Take a closer look at who can apply.
If Connect to Work is not right for you and you’re based in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham or Sheffield, you may still be able to use Pathways to Work. To find out more on their website: https://www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/pathways-to-work
More about the service.
Connect to Work is part of South Yorkshire’s Pathways to Work initiative and supports our region’s 10-year Employment and Skills plan launched in 2025. It’s delivered through a network of partners, including Shaw Trust and South Yorkshire Housing Association on behalf of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and is funded by the UK Government.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for Connect to Work you need to:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Not be on another DWP funded programme e.g. Trailblazer or WorkWell, live in Sheffield,
be unemployed, or - Be employed but at risk of losing employment, if you have been at your job for more than three months (this does not include zero-hour contracts).
You must also have a health condition, disability, or be part of one of the specified groups with challenges into employment that would benefit from Connect to Work support:
- An offender who is serving a community service.
- An ex-offender who has completed a custodial or community sentence.
- A carer.
- An ex-carer.
- A homeless person.
- A former member of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces (AF), a member of HM AF reserves, or a partner of current or former Armed Forces personnel.
- A person for whom a drug or alcohol dependency, including a history of dependency, presents a significant barrier to employment.
- A care-experienced young person or a care leaver.
- A refugee, a resettled Afghan.
- A person on the Ukrainian scheme.
- A victim/survivor of domestic abuse.
- A young person identified as being involved in, or at risk of being involved in, serious violence.
- A victim of modern slavery.
1. Learn about us
Talk to an employment specialist to find the right programmes that can support you.
2. Talk about you
We’ll help you identify your needs and get the right support.
3. Meet employers
We’ll have conversations with new or current employers to help you engage and find opportunities.
4. Find or improve jobs
We’ll help you get work or receive the support you need in your current job.
5. Help at work
We’ll keep helping you learn and do well in your job.
Find out more
I live in Sheffield and need help finding or staying in work.
Alternatively, you can contact us on:
Email: pathwaystowork@shaw-trust.org.uk
Tel: 0114 321 1880
To request this information in other formats please contact: studio@shaw-trust.org.uk