Step1 - Work

Getting the Job

Two women standing in front of a whiteboard, one holding a framed certificate of completion. Both women are smiling and dressed in business casual attire, with one wearing a striped blazer and the other wearing a black blazer and headscarf.

Please note, if you’re already working, we encourage you to contact us about our Step2 program to build savings, expand your network, and develop opportunities and skills to help you and your career THRIVE! Contact our Step2 Coordinator, Nakeeta to learn more about Step2: nakeeta@stepupdurham.org

About the Step1 Employment Program

StepUp Durham offers FREE employment readiness training, personalized job coaching, employer referrals, and supportive services to job seekers, including those with barriers like a criminal background or gaps in work history. Job seekers are enrolled through a robust Intake conversation designed to build a roadmap and action plan for rapid reemployment and long-term career success.

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. The relationship is 50/50. StepUp uses its resources to connect job seekers to employers who trust StepUp, while participants execute the skills they have learned to further their own independent job search.

Interested in registering for our next Step1 Job Skills Workshop, please fill out this form or contact the StepUp Durham office directly at 919.813.0207.

Step1 FAQ

  • $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 

    Ongoing access to Employment Counselor and Employment Team

  • • Over 18 years old

    • Possession of or the ability to obtain a Social Security Card for HR onboarding

    • Able to pass an employer required drug test

    • 90 days removed from domestic violence

    • If on the sex offender registry, willing to meet virtually or via the phone (our classes meet near daycare facilities)

  • StepUp Durham offers training and support to job seekers and screening and referral services to local employers. Many of the criteria listed above (e.g., the ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen, possession of a valid Social Security Card) are in place because businesses require them as a condition of employment. Other criteria, such as the 90-day removal from domestic violence, are in place because we want to ensure that individuals are safe and supported before they begin the StepUp process. The criteria regarding pending charges excludes minor traffic violations or cases that may be resolved quickly. If ongoing court dates would require an individual to miss work regularly, we ask that they resolve any pending legal matters before beginning StepUp. 

Participants

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

  • Receive financial coaching

Interested? Register Today

Two men standing together in a classroom, one holding a framed certificate of completion. The man on the left is dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and dark tie, wearing glasses. The man on the right is wearing a light gray shirt and dark pants. Behind them is a whiteboard with handwritten notes and a screen displaying a graphic of a person ascending stairs with the text "Application Brings Change."

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. 

  • Boost your skills

    Uplift your team

    Improve your company’s performance

    Launch your career

    Drive industry change

  • BUILD placements last up to 12 weeks at up 16hrs/week

    StepUp Durham pays BUILD apprentices $20.00/hr for their work with the placement organization (BUILD apprentices submit their timesheets to StepUp Durham

    BUILD placements receive their job description, duty, and on-site supervision from the placement organization

    If the BUILD apprentice is a good fit and the placement organization has hiring capacity, the BUILD apprentice would be given priority in hiring

Interested? Register Today

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Registration

If you are interested in registering for our next Step1 Job Skills Workshop, please fill out this form or contact the StepUp Durham office directly at 919.813.0207.