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At Aspire to Be, we help adults who are D/deaf, neurodiverse, or face other barriers to work to build confidence, gain practical skills, and move towards employment.
Our training is non-accredited, flexible, and hands-on — designed for people who may not thrive in traditional classroom or qualification-based settings. Everything we do focuses on ability, not disability. People can self-refer or be referred through agencies including Job Centres, Local Authorities, Colleges, Housing Associations, and other community partners across South Yorkshire.
Aspire to Be is based within the Carr Fenton Foundation campus in Doncaster — a calm, welcoming and fully accessible environment with spaces designed to replicate real workplaces.
We look at ability, not disability — setting realistic goals and building confidence so people feel able to move into employment.
– Aspire to Be staff member
Our non-accredited training cover a wide variety of areas of work. Modules cover both industry standards and job-specific duties, so participants build the knowledge and habits needed for real workplaces.
Industries and roles we cover
Modules cover both industry standards and job-specific duties, so participants build the knowledge and habits needed for real workplaces.
- Logistics
- Housekeeping & General Cleaning
- Hospitality
- NHS Support Services
- Retail & Customer Service
- Adult Social Care
Employability and career skills
We help each person get ready for work – and stay in it – through:
- Employer workshops and workplace awareness
- CV writing, job search and applications
- Mock interviews and site visits
- Travel training and planning
- Job trials and work experience placements
Confidence and motivation
Our Flip It programme is a ten-step personal development course that helps people recognise strengths, build resilience, and set achievable goals. It’s flexible and adaptable for different ages and learning styles – helping everyone to grow in confidence and motivation.
Information, advice and guidance (IAG)
From the very beginning, each learner is supported by our team to plan their next steps, identify the right opportunities, and access specialist help if needed.
We also signpost to trusted external services, including mental health, addiction recovery, and housing support.
Specialist support
Aspire to Be has access to Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists who:
- Support inclusive recruitment and retention practices
- Provide tailored interventions for individuals
- Offer advice to employers on communication and accessibility
Once someone is referred or gets in touch, we:
- Conduct a full assessment of need
- Create a personalised support plan, reviewed regularly
- Deliver flexible, one-to-one and group sessions, focused on each person’s goals
- Provide ongoing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) throughout
- Support a smooth transition into work, further training, or volunteering
Training is offered up to three days per week, either full or half days, and continues for as long as each person needs. All sessions can be supported through British Sign Language (BSL) where required.
We’ve created eight purpose-built simulated work areas, allowing people to practise hands-on tasks safely and gain confidence before stepping into employment.
Each space is equipped with authentic tools, furniture, and materials — from hospital beds and hoists to commercial cleaning supplies — giving learners a true-to-life experience.
- WarehouseFor logistics and stock handling skills
- Retail ShopCustomer service, stock control, teamwork
- Kitchen & Café Hospitality, hygiene, food preparation
- NHS Ward & Clinical RoomHospital facilities training with genuine equipment donated by Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals
- Residential Care RoomWorking safely with mobility equipment, assisting others, understanding care routines
- General Workspaces Quiet, adaptable areas for digital skills and admin practice
- Hotel SuiteHousekeeping, cleaning standards, room turnaround
- Stock RoomOrder picking, organisation, and manual handling
Training rooms and resources
Our environment is intentionally small, personal, and calm. We use visual signage, clear communication, and BSL-friendly approaches to make learning easy to follow for everyone. Staff are trained to recognise sensory sensitivities, and learners can take breaks whenever needed.
- Safe Space – a quiet, comfortable room always available for anyone who feels anxious or overwhelmed
- Employability Training Rooms – interactive sessions for job prep, interviews, and communication
- Digital Skills Suite / Job Search Room – computers, assistive software, and independent application support
- Mock Interview Room – practice space for one-to-one sessions and employer visits
Our facilities aren’t just places to learn – they’re spaces for growth, confidence and belonging. We regularly welcome employers, community partners, and families to visit and see our work in action.