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Aspire to Be is an adult specialist employability and skills service that helps people gain confidence, learn new skills, and move into work. We support adults who are D/deaf, neurodiverse, or face other communication or confidence barriers — people who might not feel at home in mainstream education or job programmes.
There are no exams or strict timetables here. Training is practical, flexible, and person-centred. You can progress at your own pace, in a supportive space that focuses on what you can do.
We’re proud to be part of the Carr Fenton Foundation, a Doncaster-based charity providing education, training, and care from early years through to adulthood.
We deliver hands-on, confidence-building employability training that helps people prepare for and sustain work. Our learners practise real job skills in eight simulated work environments — from hospital wards to hotel suites — before moving into employment with our local partners.
Every programme is tailored around the individual, blending:
- Practical training – in real work settings
- Employability support – CVs, interviews, job search
- Confidence and motivation – through our Flip It programme
- Digital skills – for life and work
- Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG)
- Therapy and wellbeing support – including access to speech and language and occupational therapy
Our service is open all year round, five days a week, and welcomes adults aged 16 and over from across Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
- FlexibleTraining is never one-size-fits-all. Learners can attend once a week or several times a week, repeating sessions until they feel confident.
- AccessibleWe use discussion, visuals and hands-on experience instead of text-heavy lessons. This makes learning inclusive for people with anxiety, sensory sensitivities or processing differences.
- SupportiveEveryone receives an Individual Action Plan, created together with our team, to map goals, progress, and any additional support needed.
- CollaborativeWe work closely with employers – such as the NHS, City of Doncaster Council, GXO and Premier Inn – to design training that matches real job opportunities. Many of our learners move directly into these roles.
Aspire to Be delivers proven results through a model built on trust, partnership and inclusion.
98%
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96%
We also hold the Matrix Standard for Information, Advice and Guidance — with 100% of staff and clients rating our service as good or excellent.
Our dedicated team brings together over 80 years of combined experience supporting adults with specialist needs.
We’re committed to ensuring everyone can contribute effectively in their chosen field and to helping employers build a more diverse, inclusive workforce. We believe that by working together — learners, employers, and community partners — we can build futures that are confident, connected, and sustainable.
Our vision
Breaking barriers, building futures.
Our mission
To deliver personalised and innovative training that recognises each person’s unique abilities and aspirations. We create environments where people can thrive – unlocking potential, growing confidence, and paving the way to meaningful employment.