We've been working with the Wimbledon Foundation as part of their 'Work at Wimbledon' initiative that offers supported pathways into employment. A group of students on our Steps into Employment programme have been part of a journey that has culminated with six of them securing paid jobs for the championships in 2025.

The group first visited the championships last year to watch a spot of tennis, get to know the site and see what happens during the tournament. They then attended workshops and open days. All 13 students who applied online for various roles were offered interviews. To help them spruce up and look the part we worked with Smart Works, a charity who provide free interview-appropriate clothing to unemployed women. Our group also benefitted from interview practice and preparation with Smart Works and during our regular Steps into Employment sessions.

Student Charlotte told us a bit more about her interview, 'We practised in Steps for it with Alice – practice runs. They asked me why I want the job and I said I like tennis and I'm always on time and reliable. I showed her [the interviewer] my folder with all the Steps work in it, and I took my certificates to show her and the different work placements I've done.'

Charlotte, together with fellow students Michael, Anna-Marie, Chloe, Shammah and Joseph have successfully secured paid jobs for the championships this year, working in retail and guest services, and we're incredibly proud of them!

Charlotte said, 'I’m excited to work in the big, massive shop, working with customers and serving customers around the shop. And they're giving us all our uniform for free and free lunch - what else could we ask for?' 

And Michael told us that he's looking forward to, 'Helping people to come into Wimbledon...ticket scanning, helping people in. Maybe helping the royal family in!' 

Leading up to the championships, they'll take part in training days and we're also providing training and support to their line managers to help them understand how to best support people with learning disabilities and autism at work.