Work and Training

To help you develop your skills and access employment, training or volunteering opportunities, your Personal Adviser will support you in making an informed decision about your future career path and ensuring you financially supported where required.

• If you have been given an interview for a job, let your Personal Adviser know, we  will pay for a haircut and interview clothing prior to the interview.
• We will also provide you with £5 to purchase stationary and £15 to purchase a college/work bag.
• Other options for transport are available through charities such as the Kickstart Moped Scheme, to help reduce barriers of getting to and from work.

Traineeships

A Traineeship is a 12 week programme for 16-24 year olds which combines study of English and Maths with high quality work experience with an employer. It is intended to lead on to an apprenticeship or full time employment. They are offered by specialist training providers or through local colleges. A traineeship is classed as further education and you can get the same financial support as detailed in the further education section. .

Apprenticeships

This is a great way to learn a job whilst being paid. If you follow this route you will be supported by the £1,000 care leaver bursary for new apprentices. It is important to ensure that, by undertaking an apprenticeship, you will not be financially disadvantaged, so we will do an assessment of your outgoings and may offer help towards your rent, council tax, equipment-related expenses, etc.

If your Apprenticeship is arranged through a college you will still have Personal Education Plan (PEP) and/or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) meetings to discuss your progress.

Find out more about apprenticeships at Gov.uk apprenticeships-guide.

Employment

• If you are starting work we will help you to access any assistance that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provide such as clothing allowance or help with travel costs. If you require a DBS check to start your job we may fund this for you.
• If you are job hunting, let your Personal Adviser know and they will provide you with a job hunting pack. You may also be to access face-to-face advice and support from the Education, Training and Employment Coordinator.

If you are over 18 and claiming certain benefits you will be expected to use the Universal job match as part of your job hunting. Your Job Centre work coach will set you up with a log-in and show you how to apply for jobs through the site. We will liaise with the local Job Centres to ensure that they know you are a Care Leaver and that you are offered appropriate training and job opportunities.