Community Employment

Supported employment providing entry-level jobs in our communities for people who are long-term unemployed.

For many young people in Dorset, stepping onto the career ladder is harder than it should be.

  • Young adults (16–25) – 21% of our Inspire Dorset participants were under 25 and not in education or training.

  • Individuals with additional barriers – 43% of those young people had a learning disability or mental-health challenge.

  • People facing rural isolation – Limited public transport and fewer entry-level jobs make it tough to find work close to home.

Across the county there is still a shortage of truly supported employment opportunities.
We are here to change that.

Why choose Us over large National providers?

1. Local Roots – Local Impact! We are Dorset-based and Dorset-focused, so every pound invested stays in the County, creating community benefit rather than disappearing into a National contract provider.

2. Wrap-around Support. Unlike volume providers, we combine accredited training, in-work job coaching, and pastoral care, increasing retention and long-term progression.

3. Flexible Partnership – From social enterprises to SEND schools, we co-design placements and volunteering pathways that fit each partner’s goals rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.

As an employment partner, we work with partner organisations sharing our values to deliver:

  • GreenCare enterprise: Supervised garden-maintenance teams providing services for older people and vulnerable residents.
  • Citizenship Service projects, for example SEND students transforming disused land into fruit-and-veg plots alongside Employ My Ability.
  • NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture: small-group, hands-on learning with national accreditation.
  • One-to-one life-coaching: NEET young people build confidence, their life path, and a career vision.

Regonised Quality

DCA is an approved NOCN delivery centre, assuring rigorous assessment.

Person-centred Learning

Small classes and an informal, strengths-based approach unlock each learner’s potential.

Real-world Outcomes

Participants leave with qualifications and a CV full of genuine work experience, not simulated tasks.

Our programmes are free for eligible participants.  Funding will depend on the programme: we run a mixed income model of trading income and contracts, grant funding, and partner contributions, depending on the service.

We operate county-wide, with hubs in Dorchester and Wimborne.

Currently yes, though we would love to talk to partners about developing other opportunities including home help, cleaning, and other entry level jobs providing services to the community.

My class of 12 SEND students can be difficult to motivate, but with Lydia’s guidance they raised £84 for the Seed-to-Plate project, planted the crops, and donated produce to the local food bank. The 12-week project showed them they can make a real difference to their community. We couldn’t have done it without Dorset Community Action.

Angie Read

Sixth-Form Teacher, Westfield Arts College

Contact us today to explore options to work with us as your employment partner:

Paul Seaman, Programme Manager

📧 paul.seaman@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk

📞 07421 994587

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