Helping you achieve your goals
We want every care leaver to have the chance to succeed and build the future they want.
Whether you choose education, training, an apprenticeship, university or work, we will support you to reach your goals.
Your Personal Adviser (PA) can help you:
- explore your options
- apply for courses, training or jobs
- write CVs and application forms
- prepare for interviews
- access financial support and funding
- stay in education, training or work
Leaving school after GCSEs
You can leave school on the last Friday in June if you will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
However, the law says you must stay in:
- education
- training, or
- employment with recognised training
until you are 18 years old.
As a care leaver, support does not stop when you turn 18. Your Personal Adviser and the Leaving Care Team can continue to support you until you are 25.
If you have an EHCP
If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), support can continue up to your 25th birthday.
The Statutory Assessment Team will work with you to:
- review your EHCP every year
- plan your next steps
- access education, training and employment opportunities
- prepare for adult life
For more information, visit the SEND Local Offer and Preparing for Adulthood pages.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship allows you to earn a wage while learning new skills and gaining qualifications.
Extra support for care leavers
If you start an apprenticeship and are under 25, you are entitled to a £3,000 Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary.
The bursary:
- is paid in instalments
- is arranged through your training provider
- requires confirmation of your care leaver status from your Personal Adviser or Social Worker
You do not have to tell your employer that you are care experienced unless you want to.
Careers advice and guidance
We can help you think about your future and make plans that are right for you.
Students up to age 18 can access Unifrog, an online careers platform that provides:
- careers information
- job search support
- information about apprenticeships and university
- CV and application advice
- tools to help you explore different career paths
If you are looking for a job, apprenticeship or training course, there are organisations that can help.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Skills and Employment Service offers information, advice and opportunities for young people aged 16 to 24, including job vacancies, apprenticeships and training programmes. You can find out more and search for opportunities at Careers Opportunities for 18-21 year olds.
Your Personal Adviser or the Virtual School can help you access Unifrog.
Hear from care leavers about their career journeys
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Thinking about university?
University can open up new opportunities, and there is extra support available for care-experienced students.
Watch our university Q&A video
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Applying for jobs
We can help you with:
- form filling
- letter writing
- making the most of interviews
- money for interview clothes, travel to work or training
You can get help from your social worker or personal adviser. They have links to local employers so they can find opportunities.
You can also get information and advice from your local Jobcentre Plus.
You can find lots of opportunities for young people on Free courses, programmes and support | The King's Trust.
Youth Progression Service | Cambridgeshire County Council offer support in your education, employment and training search.
There are lots of places you can search for jobs, including:
Jobs with Cambridgeshire County Council
Cambridgeshire County Council is part of the Care Leaver Job Interview Scheme.
If you apply for a job with us, look for the Care Leaver Job Interview Scheme box on the application form.
Search for opportunities on the Cambridgeshire County Council Jobs and Careers website.
During the recruitment process you can receive:
- support with the application process
- a phone call explaining what to expect
- interview tips and guidance
If you get a job with us, you can access:
- a structured induction programme
- learning and development opportunities
- online learning resources
- employee support groups
- wellbeing networks
- ongoing workplace support
Help with the costs of starting work
If you are receiving Universal Credit and are applying for or starting a job, you may be able to get extra financial support to help with work-related expenses.
This can include:
- help to pay for interview clothes
- work uniforms
- equipment
- travel to interviews
- childcare costs before your first wage
- other essential costs needed to help you get or start a job
In most cases, this support does not need to be paid back.
To find out if you are eligible, speak to your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach or send a message through your Universal Credit journal. Your Personal Adviser can also help you understand what support may be available and how to apply. More information is available at: Apply for a Universal Credit advance or hardship payment: Help with job expenses - GOV.UK
Volunteering
Caring Together offers a range of volunteering opportunities across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk, enabling people aged 18 plus to support unpaid carers, develop new skills, and make a meaningful difference in their local community. To find out more visit Volunteering Opportunities | Caring Together.
Digital skills and inclusion
We understand that digital skills are essential for everyday life, education and work. If you are aged 18 to 25 and not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), we can help you access our Digital Inclusion Course.
This course will help you build confidence with technology and develop practical digital skills. You’ll also learn how to access online services safely, search for jobs, and prepare for education, training, or employment opportunities.
To help you attend, your Personal Adviser can support with transport to and from the course. When you successfully complete the course, you will receive a free laptop and access to Wi-Fi, helping you stay connected and continue developing your skills.
Speak to your Personal Adviser to find out more about the course and how to get involved.
Extra opportunities and support
The Care Leaver Covenant offers a wide range of opportunities, including:
- job opportunities
- apprenticeships
- work experience
- mentoring programmes
- training courses
- higher education support
- discounts and offers
- practical help with independent living
You can sign up to Connects, the Care Leaver Covenant's free online platform, to receive personalised opportunities and offers available locally and across the country.
Need help?
Speak to your Personal Adviser if you are thinking about:
- school or college
- apprenticeships
- university
- training courses
- finding a job
- changing career direction
Whatever your next step is, we will work alongside you to help you achieve your goals and build the future you want.
