Step2Skills is Hertfordshire Futures' adult learning, skills and employment service. We help people overcome barriers to learning and work, gain new qualifications, develop confidence and move towards sustainable employment.
For more than 20 years, we've supported Hertfordshire residents who may be facing challenges such as unemployment, low qualifications, health conditions, disabilities or caring responsibilities. Through flexible, government-funded programmes, we provide practical routes into learning, skills development and employment.
Working with employers, training providers, community organisations and national agencies, Step2Skills helps residents build brighter futures while supporting Hertfordshire's workforce and economy.
Who we support
Step2Skills works with adults across Hertfordshire, particularly those who:
- Are unemployed or economically inactive
- Have few or no formal qualifications
- Need to improve their English, maths or digital skills
- Are looking to retrain or change careers
- Live with a disability or long-term health condition
- Face barriers that make it difficult to access learning or employment
- Need support to build confidence and progress into work
Our programmes
Our Adult Skills programmes help residents gain the knowledge, qualifications and confidence needed to progress in life and work.
Courses include English and maths, digital skills, employability skills, career-focused qualifications, and personal development and wellbeing.
Impact in 2024/25
4,219 adult learners supported
1,561 qualifications achieved
1,051 learners gained nationally recognised qualifications
90% of learners said their course met their goals
97% achievement rate on Tailored Learning programmes
87% achievement rate on accredited programmes
Many learners come to us with significant barriers to learning:
50% hold qualifications below Level 2
Around 25% have no previous qualifications
1 in 3 learners disclose a learning difficulty or disability
Skills Bootcamps provide intensive, employer-focused training designed to help people quickly move into employment or retrain for a new career. Current programmes focus on areas including Early Years and Employment Specialist roles.
Impact
Achieved 100% of learner recruitment targets in the first year of delivery (2025/26)
Strong progression routes into local employment opportunities
Developed in response to workforce needs across Hertfordshire
Connect to Work is part of Government's Get Britain Working agenda and provides personalised employment support for people facing significant barriers to work.
The programme supports residents who may have a disability, live with a long-term health condition, be at risk of leaving employment, or face complex barriers, such as experience of homelessness, domestic abuse, offending or displacement
In 2025, £19.3 million was secured from the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver Connect to Work across the county over five years.
Key facts
£19.3 million investment in Hertfordshire
Supporting more than 5,000 residents over five years
Programme launched for referrals in August 2025
Delivered through Step2Skills and specialist delivery partners
Early impact (January 2026)
229 residents enrolled
27 residents supported into paid employment
Making a difference
Supporting inclusive learning
"As an autistic person, I felt genuinely supported, listened to and valued throughout the course. That level of care and understanding is rare, and I am very grateful for it."
Step2Skills learner, Level 2 Digital Marketing
Building confidence through employment
"Since starting work with Samsic, I've grown in confidence and now know that I'm capable of taking on more hours and further responsibilities. This experience has truly shown me that, with the right support, I can succeed and thrive in a working environment."
John D, Step2Skills participant
