About First Step Trust (FST)
First Step Trust (FST) is an award winning charity with over 30 years’ experience in providing work experience, on the job training and salaried employment for people excluded from working life because of mental health problems and other disadvantages e.g. Dyslexia, ADHD or a fear of learning.
Many of the people we work with are long term unemployed (10 years +) and some have never worked. FST is developing new ways to help this group overcome some of the barriers to learning using a range of technologies and other learning tools.
- FST is currently employing 8 people with lived experience on London living wage or above salaries. 3 of which are in management positions.
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FST provides job skills and training through voluntary work placements in our social enterprise SMaRT garage services or the FST main office.
- FST works with partners Halfords & Palmer Foundation to provide paid apprenticeships and life long career support. Currently 4 people with lived experience are benefiting from this programme
"Our learning pathways treat every individual with respect enabling independence and dignity"
Driving Ambition
6 session Theory course covering the highway code preparing you for the UK theory test.
Our Virtual Reality
Come and experience a new way of learning with our virtual reality training.
Our Virtual Garage
Our Virtual Kitchen
Our Virtual Construction site
Food Safety Qualifications
Get support in gaining your food safety qualifications Level 2 and Level 3 available. Includes exam and certificate
10 Module Programme
For Short Courses & Work Placements
We provide free short courses and work placements for Greenwich residents receiving support for mental health issues, and other disadvantages.
- Over 18
- Greenwich Resident
- Recieving support for Mental health problems, drug and alcohol recovery, long term unemployment due to disabilities and other disadvantages.
Socially Minded and Responsible Trading. That's SMaRT®
SMaRT garage services
SMaRT® garage services based in Woolwich is an award winning social enterprise, that provide MOT testing vehicle repair and servicing. Our garages are staffed by qualified and experienced Motor Vehicle Technicians. We work within frameworks set out by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and other quality assurance frameworks. Working with both commercial and private customers and using the latest in automotive equipment
- Female Friendly
- MOT Test Centre
- Servicing & Repairs
- Tyre Fitting