Education, Training and Employment (ETE) support helps people build confidence, skills, and experience as part of their recovery journey. It recognises that paid work is not the first or right step for everyone and that learning, volunteering, or training can be powerful foundations for longer term wellbeing and independence.

On the Wirral, ETE support is delivered by The Growth Company through Recovery Works, working closely alongside Wirral Ways to make sure support fits around recovery and health needs.

What ETE is about

ETE focuses on preparation, confidence, and choice. It supports people to move forward in stages, building readiness for work in ways that feel realistic and supportive.

ETE can help you to:

• Build confidence and self belief

• Develop new skills or refresh old ones

• Create structure and routine

• Explore interests and future goals

• Gain experience through learning or volunteering

• Reduce barriers to employment over time

There is no pressure to rush and no fixed pathway.

Who ETE is for

ETE may be right for you if you:

• Are in recovery or receiving substance use support

• Want to build confidence before moving into paid work

• Are interested in education, training, or volunteering

• Have been out of work or learning for a while

• Feel anxious or unsure about employment

• Want to explore options at your own pace

You do not need qualifications, recent experience, or a clear plan to get started.

What ETE support looks like

ETE provides one to one, tailored support based on your goals and needs.

Support may include:

• Exploring interests, strengths, and aspirations

• Access to short courses, training, or qualifications

• Support to return to education or learning

• Volunteering opportunities to build confidence and experience

• CV building and application support

• Interview preparation and confidence building

• Advice around disclosure, gaps in employment, or criminal records

• Support to manage wellbeing alongside learning or volunteering

Everything is shaped around what feels manageable for you.

Education and training

ETE can help you access learning opportunities that support your goals, whether that is confidence building, skill development, or preparation for work.

This may include:

• Short courses or workshops

• Accredited or non accredited training

• Digital skills and practical learning

• Courses that support wellbeing and personal development

Learning is flexible and matched to your interests and abilities.

Volunteering and work experience

For many people, volunteering is a valuable step in recovery. It can help rebuild confidence, routine, and social connection.

ETE can support you to:

• Find volunteering opportunities that match your interests

• Build experience in supportive environments

• Develop references and transferable skills

• Explore what type of work feels right

Volunteering can be a positive step in its own right or a pathway towards paid work.

How ETE fits with recovery

ETE support is delivered alongside your wider support at Wirral Ways. This means:

• Joined up working with psychosocial and clinical teams

• Support to balance learning or volunteering with recovery

• Help managing stress, confidence, or setbacks

• Encouragement and problem solving along the way

Your wellbeing always comes first.

ETE and next steps

ETE can be a stepping stone towards many outcomes. Some people move on to:

• Paid employment

• Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

• Further education or training

• Long term volunteering or community roles

There is no single definition of success.

Getting started with ETE

You can access ETE through Recovery Works or by speaking to your Wirral Ways worker, who can help you explore whether ETE is right for you.

If you want to build confidence, skills, and options for the future, ETE offers supportive, flexible pathways to help you move forward.