Work and learning
We will work with you to access learning and workplace opportunities, such as:
- college or university
- work experience
- apprenticeships
- job opportunities
We will help you receive any extra help you require if you have special educational needs or disabilities.
Resources
Aspire 2 is a learning service where you can do training and development
Careers advice
When you start thinking about work, we will help you access careers advice through your leaving care education, employment and training (EET) worker, college, university or higher education setting.
This may include:
- helping you to develop your CV
- highlighting courses and training to build your skills
- helping you find a job
- advising about job interviews and employment processes
- providing a reference
Work experience
Work experience provides opportunities for learning about the skills, behaviours, careers, roles and structures within a workplace.
If you are interested in work experience, speak with your leaving care worker.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a job combined with a skills development and training programme. We will support you to access and apply for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships vary in length and entry requirements depending upon the area.
Apprenticeship employers set their own entry requirements. Some apprenticeships require grade 4s in english and maths, but many do not.
If a young person starts an apprenticeship aged 16 to 18 and does not already have the required english and maths qualifications, they are usually required to work towards achieving them as part of the apprenticeship programme.
For apprentices aged 19 and over, english and maths can often be studied alongside the apprenticeship if the employer agrees it should be included in the training plan.
They are an excellent opportunity to develop your skills whilst earning some money. For current apprenticeship details see the gov.uk website.
Care Leavers' Apprenticeship Scheme
The care leavers' apprenticeship scheme (CLAS) is tailor-made to employ looked after children and care leavers aged 16 to 21.
You may work in the local authority, or work in sectors ranging from forestry to joinery, motor vehicle mechanics, animal care, elderly care, plumbing, ICT, hairdressing, hospitality and other vocational areas.
If you want to do business administration, you will usually work with us. Speak to your personal advisor for more information.
All include studying one day a week, plus extra maths and english if you don't have at least a grade 4 at GCSE or equivalent.
Entry requirements
- to qualify, you need to be our legal responsibility, either as an eligible, relevant or former relevant young person
- you must complete up to 13 weeks of work experience. All work experience and CLAS placements are tailor-made to meet your needs
- the apprenticeship through CLAS is dependent upon successful completion of work experience, including at least 95 per cent attendance.
If you are a qualifying young person, although you are not able to join the scheme, leaving care services can help you with work preparation support.
Are you thinking of going to college?
If you would like to go to college, your leaving care worker will support you in choosing the right course.
Many local colleges provide extra support to care leavers.
To find out more, visit our webpage about local colleges.
If you would like any support accessing and attending open days, interviews or help with your applications, speak with your personal advisor.
Are you thinking of going to university?
If you would like to apply to go to university, we help you to:
- find a course that is right for you
- secure suitable accommodation, including during holiday periods
- get you and your belongings to and from university
- access financial support, loans and bursaries
- buy equipment that you may need (such as books and a laptop)
Many universities provide additional support to care leavers. It's worth searching their websites or contacting the student support service of the ones you are interested in to find out what they offer.