On International Men's Day (19th November 2025), we are reflecting on this year’s theme: 'Supporting Men and Boys.' It is a moment to move beyond conversation and ask what providing real, practical support truly looks like.
For many men and young adult males, significant barriers, from caring responsibilities to past convictions, can stand in the way of their potential. Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) is designed to break down those barriers.
Through our 20 accredited GFiE pathways, we provide life-changing opportunities and build positive futures for those who need them most.
In this blog, we want to share the human stories behind our work. We hear from two civil servants who joined GFiE - one via the Cabinet Office Carers Pathway and one via the DWP Social Mobility Apprenticeship Pathway to discuss the challenges men can face and the support that is helping them succeed.
I’ve always wanted to go into an IT role, being a techy, geeky type of person, however, two things had stopped me from achieving this. First of all, I’m a carer for my mum, and have been since around the age I started high school. That meant that I had extra responsibilities that many of my school friends didn’t have to worry about, and I felt that I had to grow up fast.
As well as my caring responsibilities, I was recently diagnosed as autistic. Having the diagnosis confirmed has been a huge relief, but it also brings a sense of frustration and ‘what if’ – there’s a lot of wasted years at school which felt incredibly overwhelming, and where I didn’t get the specific support that could really have helped.
Thankfully, it was through my role as a carer that I found out about GFiE. One of the council support workers put me onto the Young Carer’s Association, who help people like myself into work, and they supported me with the application process.
Since starting my role in the DWP, it’s been overwhelmingly positive. The role allows me to still care for my mum and everyone has been incredibly supportive, particularly my line manager. I feel very lucky to be here, and I feel like I’m getting my career on track. Looking ahead, aspirations are only ever as high as you set them, and I feel like I can see a clear path in front of me for how I could progress my career.
Ryan, DWP
Stories like this highlight that 'support' isn’t one-size-fits-all.
While some men require flexibility to balance hidden responsibilities, others need a door to be opened that was previously locked.
Our next testimonial demonstrates how GFiE Pathway opportunities help men to rebuild lives, and support people with gaining financial independence .
I was sentenced to a 12-month prison sentence and spent 4 months incarcerated in 2019. I applied for a role via the DWP Social Mobility Apprentice Pathway which I got with the support of the New Futures Network and joined the DWP National Employer and Partnership Team.
I had an informal interview for this position which was perfect and allowed me to discuss the role and what I could bring to it in a stress-free environment, and I was delighted to be informed that I had been successful and could start once the usual checks were completed.
Since joining the department, I have successfully passed my probation and secured a permanent position. I have completed my Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship and continue to develop my knowledge and skills, identifying my niche which allows me to target work that can allow me to have a greater impact supporting our customers into training and employment.
Working has life changing impacts - securing full time employment has enabled me to save money and I am able to look forward to applying for a mortgage soon, which is something I never imagined I would be able to do previously.
I have also signed up to act as a GFiE buddy which allows me to give back to the community offering support and guidance to other colleagues who join the Civil Service through a similar path to myself.
I am in a position now where I am looking for promotion opportunities and applying for Talent and Development programmes to increase my chances of success. All of this because I found the right job for me
Gary, DWP
Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Pathways
If you want to know more about our other GFiE Life Chance Pathways, or are a Government department and would like to discuss providing life changing opportunities to individuals for vacancies you have coming up, please get in contact with the GfiE Team at GFiE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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