Pathway Group
For the past 22 years, Pathway Group has been at the forefront of supporting individuals in upskilling and reskilling.
We work with public funding initiatives to upskill or reskill people, focusing on supporting people to get sustainable and better work and ultimately building careers.
We deliver a comprehensive range of skills and training support programmes for the local and central government, such as apprenticeships and traineeships.
We’re on a mission to prepare and connect underrepresented talent to employers and support workplaces that promote diversity. Our recruitment programmes include running Career Bootcamps for apprentices and young people and getting other talented back in the workplace.
Pathway Group has an ethos of partnership work and open networking and is interested to hear from employers, other training providers, employment support ss, and funding bodies directly.
Our Culture
We believe culture is the foundation of business success. A company culture is the combination of vision statements and values, combined with the harder-to-see norms; behaviours, languages, beliefs, and systems, often referred to as the company’s unwritten rules.
Culture is what the business stands for and what makes us different. When you ‘connect the dots’ with Leadership and Culture of an organisation you can seriously transform any business and make a real difference and that’s what our aspirations are at Pathway Group.
Our Vision | Our Mission |
Changing Lives though Skills and Work | Enhancing knowledge, Developing Skills and Changing Behaviors to Transform Communities |
The Pathway Group aspires to be an organisation that Changes Lives Through Skills and Work with the aim of becoming an indispensable partner of choice. To achieve this, a whole organisational approach to engagement is essential. It is important that all staff work together to create a positive, entrepreneurial culture which is responsive to the needs of the local, regional and national economy. | |
The Pathway Group Journey
2000: Open for Business as a Community Venture
Founded by a group of like minded social entrepreneurs including our current CEO Safaraz Ali to deliver English Language training to Refugees and Asylum Seekers working in partnership with a number of Further Education Colleges.
2001-2002: From Local to Regional
Rapid expansion of services led to opening of a number of centres across the West Midlands and a strategic partnership with the British Refugee Council and a number of Home Office accommodation and support agencies.
2003: The End of an Era & Start of a New Journey
Due to changes in Government priorities with community learning and ESOL provision this part of our service came to an abrupt halt.
The Community Business was closed down and started again as a separate company; with a new registration with Companies House delivering Community Legal Services Kite Mark Provision.
2004-200: Setting the Building Blocks
Obtained approval with Investors in People, ISO 9001, Matrix and DFES registration as a ‘College’.
Gained approval with multiple awarding bodies.
2006-2007: Opportunity Knocks
Started delivering Health and Social Care to International Students working with Nursing and Residential Care Homes across the country; delivering NVQ level 3 and level 4 qualifications.
Delved into Employer Training Pilots for work based delivery in partnership with FE Colleges and other primes.
2008: One Door Closes Another Opens
Changes in Home office rules led to slow down in International activity, However, Government priority focused on skills in the workforce with the recommendations of the Leitch Report.
We embarked on delivering basic skills literacy and numeracy as well as significant numbers of levels 2-3 vocational qualifications under the Train2Gain provision.
2009: It’s All About Performance
A focus on building a dynamic team with recruitment of key members of staff including our current Chair Alan Hill and senior team members Sajad Ali and Shaheed Ladak.
Maintaining focus on quality by embedding systems and processes allowing us to scale our provision.
2010: Our First Foray Into Apprenticeships
Started working with a number of partners and delivered Health and Social Care and leadership and management apprenticeship programmes.
ESF delivery in Leicestershire in partnership with Leicester City Council and New College Nottingham.
2011: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Commenced delivery of the Work Programme in both Birmingham and Walsall working as part of NCG supply chain on an end-to-end basis.
Delivered pre-employment training by working with Job Centres and created Sector Based Academies in Health and Social Care and Logistics.
2012: Growing Our Portfolio – We Became a Prime​
Secured a direct contract with the SFA with a value of £500,000 to deliver new Apprenticeship provision alongside the current partnership activities.
Provision of career services as a Next Step (National Career Service) provider. Doubled staffing members including the addition of Cathy Kubiak, Keeley Shuttleworth and Ahsan Husain.
The creation of a business networking and events brand: Pathway2Grow – Network, Learn & Grow.
2013: Joint Ventures, Partnerships & Diversification
Working with APM in the delivery of the Advance Programme (Innovation Fund) placing over 215 NEETs into employment.
Working with PeoplePlus on the Supporting Families programme helping ‘troubled’ families to move towards work and wider engagement.
Growth in partnership delivery on an ‘end to end’ and associate basis, with over 15 partnerships, delivering the Study Programme, Response to Redundancy, and Workforce Solutions – under the Adult Education Budget.
2014: Consolidation, Gearing Up & Celebration
Recognition gained for success in the Work Programme, Employability Skills for unemployed customers achieved a 96% conversion rate, 61% job entries and 58% achievement and sustained jobs.
Acceleration of vocational qualification with 1265 learners: achieved an overall success rate of 96.7% in addition the Employability programmes achieve a 100% success rate.
Additional awards obtained for Customer Service, Audit Outcomes and Best Subcontract Partner.
Addition of key members to the team Stephen Wallis – Finance Director and Martin Chandler as a Senior Manager.
2015: From Regional to National
Partnerships are paying fruition with substantial delivery of ESF contracts: Work Place Learning, Skills Support for the Workforce, Skills Support for the Unemployed, Skills Support for Redundancy, Skills Support for the Work Programme and English and Maths delivery.
Delivered ESF skills solutions to over 3000 learners across 300 companies in a wide range of sectors including Manufacturing, Creative & Digital, Health & Social Care and the Hospitality sector.
Working across multiple regions including: Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, Black Country LEP, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, D2N2 LEP, Leicester and Leicestershire LEP, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP. Worcestershire LEP, Solent LEP, Oxfordshire LEP, SEM LEP, Greater London and Greater Manchester LEPs.
Successful tender and delivery of Birmingham City Councils Youth Promise programme which we branded as ‘Fit for Work’ and delivered in the Warehouse and Logistics sector to young NEETs.
Growth in the activities of the Pathway2Grow brand with the planning and launch of ‘Coffee and Natter’ ‘Chutney and Chat’ and ‘Samosa Saturday’ business networking events.
2016: Creating Opportunities & Awareness & Celebrating Success
Engaged with over 30 Prime Contractors in 6 regions on tendering and partnership opportunities.
Secured direct contracts with the SFA to deliver Advanced Learning Loans and Traineeships.
Achieved the milestone of 2000 jobs secured within the DWP Welfare to Work Programme across Birmingham and Walsall.
Commenced delivery on the Youth Promise Plus contract in South Birmingham with a focus on supporting 257 NEETs in to Employment and/or Training.
Peer MeetUp for training providers launched by Pathway2Grow, specifically aimed at C–Level executives within the employability and skills sector. This is free to attend peer networking event allowing individuals to connect and collaborate.
The launch of the Asian Apprenticeships Awards – recognising and celebrating the talent and diversity amongst apprentices within the BME British Asian community, and the employers and learning providers who reach out to them.
New members added to the Board with a particular focus on Governance and Accountability in addition to the appointment of Project Directors: Isa Mutlib and Kasim Choudhry.
2017-18: Growing Our Portfolio
Successful in the new round of ESF activity working with Calderdale College, Learndirect, Skill Training UK, PeoplePlus, Prospects and PET-Xi. Delivering a range of activities including Skills Support for the Workforce, Skills Support for the Unemployed, IAG and NEETs engagement.
Building our supply chain of partners and associates for delivery of apprenticeships and traineeships as well as developing collaborative delivery models.
Working with larger national skill solutions providers as part of their managed service provision for the Apprenticeship Levy.
Roll out of Apprenticeship Levy delivery under the Apprenticeship reforms, tendering and bidding opportunities with larger Levy paying organisations such as the NHS.
New addition to the senior management team with the appointment Rachel Wild as centre manager.
2019-20: ESF and AEB Success
Successful in partnering with three ESF Primes to deliver the skills support for the workforce in five areas including: Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire as well as Skills Support for Unemployed and a NEETs contract in Staffordshire and the Stoke on Trent region. With Devolution and changes taking place for AEB, we directly secured a GMCA AEB allocation to deliver to the unemployed and employed in Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham to circa 1800 qualifications over 3 years. Awarded as a lead provider a GLA contract for AEB which incorporates a small supply chain to deliver skills for growth for in work Londoners. The total learner numbers planned to deliver learn in to is 7120 qualifications over 4 years. Via partnership route secured a smaller WMCA AEB allocation to deliver to employed learners Functional Skills in the Birmingham, Coventry and Sandwell regions. New addition to the senior management team with the appointment of Faizal Ullah as London AEB contract manager.​
Secured Restart Scheme delivery for Birmingham & Black Country. Success with government’s traineeships tender. Gained WYCA Devolved AEB.
The Pathway Brand Story
EVERY ORGANISATION goes through a journey. Evolving & FINDING ITSELF over a period of time. We are proud to share our very own #Meta journey.
2000-2003
2003-2005
2005-2010
2011
2011-2012
2012-2017
2017-Present
The Pathway Group’s Corporate Narrative: The Genesis of Our Social Entrepreneurship Venture and the Beginnings of a Lifelong Partnership.
The story unfolds in a reverse trajectory from Saf’s early years when he was the one seeking options. Saf recounts, “I presented him with the opportunity and its associated costs. I made it clear that persisting with the current tax situation would lead to a worse financial outcome.
Throughout this period, Saf’s father remained employed at IMI until 1993, when he decided to accept an enticing early retirement package. In the end, he opted for a reduced pension and a lump sum, a significant £90,000 package.
With retirement looming, Mr. Ali, feeling too young to fully embrace retirement, began exploring potential business ventures. This pursuit led to the acquisition of a shoe shop on Coventry Road in Small Heath. Saf reflects, “At that time, we were among the few independent shoe shops in the area.”
Their strategy was to leverage Mr. Ali’s strengths and skills. Saf explains, “We assessed his abilities; he couldn’t read, but he could fill out forms. He could read and write.” They concluded that some form of retail business would be their best bet, but the question remained: What kind of retail?
Initially, they contemplated options such as a food store or a newsagent. However, they sought a venture with higher margins, something that aligned with a lifestyle business. Ultimately, the choices boiled down to a shoe shop, a takeaway, or even the prospect of a travel agency.
Father and son embarked on a research journey, starting with a trip to the library to compile a list of suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors. They ventured to various locations, including Lancashire, Northampton, and Leicester, and discovered that the most promising suppliers were in Bury.
In 1993, they made the momentous decision to purchase the shop, all while Saf was already pursuing his university education. They acquired the freehold for the Coventry Road location for £38,000 and then proceeded to invest in stock.
Saf took on a pivotal role in the operation, even as he juggled his full-time studies for a BA Honours degree. He relinquished his security job to focus on guiding the business and managing its back-office functions. His expertise shone in inventory management.
Their venture was named Universal Discount Footwear (UDF) and initially enjoyed remarkable success, achieving impressive 50 percent profit margins.
However, the journey was far from simple, as Saf and his father soon realized that the shop’s profitability wasn’t as robust as it initially seemed. While they appeared to be making money, it didn’t align with their expectations.
One particular challenge was managing the inventory, which required them to purchase shoe assortments with various sizes. However, some sizes didn’t sell well, especially the larger ones. Saf explains, “It looked like we were making money, it felt like we were making money, and we were making money, but not as much as we thought. My job was essentially the manager, but I was there all the time. It was a steep learning curve.”
To address these issues, Saf made a significant commitment by taking a year off from his degree course to work full-time in the shop. They had to rectify their mistakes, which included overstocking and carrying the wrong sizes and types of stock. The last year proved to be the most challenging, as they faced fierce competition from established competitors like Bacon and Bensons Shoes.
With excess stock on their hands and an inability to bring in new merchandise, they had no choice but to sell shoes to market traders at the best prices they could negotiate.
In 1996, Saf welcomed his first child, a daughter, the same year he completed his degree. Meanwhile, his father, now in his late 60s, expressed a desire to retire and return to Kashmir, which he ultimately did.
This prompted Saf to seek an exit strategy for their business. They explored the possibility of bringing in a partner but ultimately decided to reduce their stock and sell the shop’s lease.
Saf embarked on a new chapter in his career in 2007 when he began working for Transco, a company formed from the split of British Gas. He was based in Homer Road in Solihull.
After a period at Transco, Saf seized an opportunity to work for Sandwell Council. In 2008, he assumed the role of a budget support officer for social services at Sandwell Council in Smethwick. His responsibilities included managing outsourcing initiatives, which proved to be a challenging task amidst budget cuts and significant transformations in the social services sector.
Saf found himself at the forefront of these changes, with many social workers resistant to the transformations occurring in their field. The high-pressure environment took a toll, resulting in many social workers going on sick leave due to the stress and challenges they faced.”
The Education Sector as a Career
Safaraz’s journey continued as he delved into the intricacies of tendering, procurement, and the management of outsourcing. His role was to ensure that the local authority achieved the best value for money through negotiation and strategic deals. The local authority had recognized the need to shift service delivery to the private sector due to the high cost of providing care in-house, which stood at a staggering £27 an hour compared to the more cost-effective £10-£12 an hour when outsourced to external care providers. This experience provided Safaraz with valuable insights into the dynamics of home care services.
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However, at this juncture, Safaraz had not yet considered himself an entrepreneur. He admits, “I was not a natural entrepreneur and didn’t really see or notice opportunities that were in front of me.”
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Safaraz’s quest for career enhancement led him to peruse the Birmingham Evening Mail, where he stumbled upon a job opportunity as a pension reviewer with Britannic Assurance. Britannic Assurance was grappling with regulatory issues related to past business practices and required a massive review to rectify these concerns. Safaraz was based in Wythall, just outside Birmingham, during his tenure at Britannic Assurance.
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Around the same time, Safaraz began volunteering with local colleges. Initially, his motivation for volunteering was to bolster his career prospects and enhance his CV. He recalls, “I had a lot of time on my hands. In my previous job, I could take work home, but here, you had to work on the files and couldn’t take them home.”
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His volunteer work at colleges primarily focused on increasing community engagement. Safaraz explains, “They were looking for people who could come in and get involved by sitting on panels that reported to governors. I had budgets to go out and work with communities, including adult education.”
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His role included representing the colleges at various community institutions, such as mosques and temples, which paved the way for forging relationships between these organisations and the colleges. As a result, the colleges began collaborating with local authorities and securing funding for community outreach initiatives. These partnerships were instrumental in expanding the colleges’ community programmes.
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Safaraz’s ability to build relationships with key stakeholders caught the attention of the Executive team at the colleges, propelling him into a more prominent role within the Senior Leadership team. The idea of becoming a franchise partner was presented to Safaraz, and he seized the opportunity, co-founding a company with two colleagues and friends from Britannic Assurance. Together, they became franchise partners, delivering adult education courses.
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Their collaboration with Matthew Boulton College laid the foundation for what would eventually become Pathway Group. Matthew Boulton College provided offices for their business, known as Community Education and Training Network, which evolved into Pathway College and, ultimately, Pathway Group.
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The partnership had an eclectic mix of backgrounds, with one partner having previously worked as a British Airways crew member on the London to New York service, and the other being a law student. Together, they delivered English Language Courses, specifically tailored for asylum seekers and refugees from three major communities: Somalian, Iraqi, and Afghan.
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At this juncture, Safaraz didn’t view this endeavor as a business; rather, it was an opportunity to make a positive impact, develop his skill set, and expand his network. As they moved from Matthew Boulton College to other institutions, they secured a significant contract with South Birmingham College, followed by a move to Sandwell College.
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However, changes in government regulations and the priorities of funding bodies like the Learning and Skills Council led to a shift away from programmes for refugees. As a result, they decided to ‘mothball’ the business.
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Safaraz seized a new opportunity in 2013 by launching his own financial services business, specializing as a mortgage broker. This marked a significant transition, with Safaraz transitioning to self-employment and working as an appointed representative.
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His extensive qualifications and prior experience in financial services, particularly in general compliance, positioned him well for this new venture.”
Our Team: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration and Excellence
At Pathway Group, we firmly believe in the transformative power of teamwork and collaboration. Our unwavering dedication to cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment serves as the cornerstone of our success, enabling each member of our team to not only thrive but also contribute to our shared vision of making a positive impact on individuals’ lives. We take immense pride in the meaningful work we do, and we’re genuinely thrilled to provide you with a glimpse into the incredible individuals who drive our mission forward.
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Take a moment to acquaint yourself with the remarkable members of our team by exploring their profiles. Here, you’ll uncover insights into our diverse backgrounds, passions, and responsibilities. We view every interaction as an opportunity to connect and engage, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you have questions, ideas to share, or simply want to extend a warm greeting, we’re here to listen and engage.
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Your interest in getting to know the individuals behind Pathway Group is deeply appreciated. Our team comprises a rich tapestry of talent, united by a shared passion for effecting positive change through skills and employment. Each of us brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table, fostering an environment where innovation flourishes, and effective solutions for our clients emerge.
Pathway SkillsZone: Pathway Group's Commitment to Career Development
At Pathway Group, we are deeply committed to empowering individuals in their pursuit of meaningful and fulfilling careers. Our comprehensive suite of services encompasses Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) to provide you with the invaluable support you need to navigate the intricacies of your career journey. Our dedicated and highly-trained team stands ready to assist you in honing essential skills, such as crafting compelling CVs and preparing for interviews, ensuring that you are well-equipped to embark on your path to success.
Embark on Your Career Journey: Explore Your Options
The first step toward a rewarding career begins with understanding your options. Whether you are a recent school graduate, an adult seeking to enhance your skills, or aspiring to pursue a university-level qualification, Pathway Group offers a diverse range of programs tailored to your needs. Our prospectuses serve as a valuable resource, guiding you through the plethora of opportunities that await you in various industries.
Comprehensive Careers Information, Advice, and Guidance
Our mission is to deliver comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance to individuals who have already embarked on their learning journey with us or are considering enrolling in Pathway Group’s qualifications. We are here to empower you at every stage of your career, providing the insight and guidance you need to make informed decisions.
Supporting Informed Choices Throughout Your Career
We understand that numerous factors influence your career choices. Whether it’s your skills and experience, financial considerations, housing, or personal matters like health, relationships, and overcoming discrimination, our dedicated advisors are here to guide you. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom; if you require career advice and support before, during, or after completing your course, our trained professionals are equipped to offer in-depth career information, personalized advice, and expert guidance. We are dedicated to ensuring that you make the right choices for your future, armed with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in your chosen career path.”
Take a moment to acquaint yourself with the remarkable members of our team by exploring their profiles. Here, you’ll uncover insights into our diverse backgrounds, passions, and responsibilities. We view every interaction as an opportunity to connect and engage, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you have questions, ideas to share, or simply want to extend a warm greeting, we’re here to listen and engage.
Your interest in getting to know the individuals behind Pathway Group is deeply appreciated. Our team comprises a rich tapestry of talent, united by a shared passion for effecting positive change through skills and employment. Each of us brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table, fostering an environment where innovation flourishes, and effective solutions for our clients emerge.
Pathway SkillsZone Walsall
18 Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TJ
Pathway SkillsZone Trinity Point
Trinity Point, Citibase, New Road, Halesowen, B63 3HY
Pathway SkillsZone Burslem
Duncalf Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3LJ
Core Values
Trust
A new world – A VUCA world?
New Thinking
T-Shaped Managers
Reference to qualities that make an employee valuable; they possess excellent knowledge of and skills in specific areas and are good at working with others in a collaborative way.
- Better communication and collaboration skills
- Flexibility
- Hard and soft skills
T-Shaped Managers
Reference to qualities that make an employee valuable; they possess excellent knowledge of and skills in specific areas and are good at working with others in a collaborative way.
- Better communication and collaboration skills
- Flexibility
- Hard and soft skills