Next steps programme’ is a South Gloucestershire Council project aimed at providing care leavers with the opportunity to gain working experience in the local area.
About
The Next Step Work Experience Programme supports young people in gaining work experience within South Gloucestershire Council departments. The 12-week programme includes placements in the Handy Van team, Street Lighting, Property Services, the Café at our council offices, and an Adult Day Care centre. We also partnered with the Willowbrook Shopping Centre, which provided placements in Security and Event Management.
Key components of the programme:
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Job Coaches: Sixteen Cooperative Job Coaches supported placement managers and young people.
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Education Course: Young people attended a Level 1 ASDAN course in Employability Skills.
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Mentors: Each young person was paired with a Senior Manager Mentor.
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Training for Placement Managers: The Rees Foundation delivered training for managers on supporting care leavers in employment.
The challenge
Many young people struggle to secure employment due to a lack of work experience or uncertainty about their career interests. To tackle this issue, we created a programme that offers young people the chance to gain practical work experience and develop essential skills. This initiative aims to enhance their employability and help them make informed decisions about their future careers.
Finding suitable placements that align with young people's interests and career goals can be quite challenging. It was essential to encourage young people to recognise the long-term benefits of employment over claiming benefits, as this can significantly impact their career and personal development, as well as gain financial independence.
The solution
Expanding our partnerships with internal departments and external businesses is crucial and aligns perfectly with our corporate parenting responsibilities. By building these connections, we can create more opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience.
To keep young people engaged in the programme, it's essential to address their individual needs and provide flexible support throughout, including financial assistance. This involves offering personalised guidance and resources to help them overcome any challenges they may encounter.
The impact
In our first intake, two young people achieved their Level 1 in Employability Skills. One young person secured a job with Willowbrook as a Security Officer, while another updated their CV with this experience and secured a job at Sainsbury’s. Additionally, one young person transferred skills learned through previous work experience, and another young person built relationships within the workplace and improved their confidence in a working environment
These successes highlight the positive impact of the programme in helping young people gain valuable skills, secure employment, and build confidence. The programme not only provides practical work experience but also supports personal growth and resilience. The achievements with our first intake demonstrate the programme's effectiveness in making a meaningful difference in their lives.
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“It taught me how to get on with different people.”
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“It taught me some new skills and about customer service.”
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“I enjoyed meeting people and it developed my communication skills.”
Sustainability
Continuing to share the success of our first intake with young people is essential. We hold event days where young people can meet others who have been on the programme and share their experiences, fostering a sense of community and support. Increasing awareness within the Council of our Corporate Parenting Responsibilities and encouraging departments to offer placements is also important, as it helps integrate the programme more deeply into our organisational culture. Additionally, we continue to work with businesses to offer placements, ensuring that young people have access to valuable opportunities that are of interest to them.
Lessons learned:
The importance of tailored support in the programme was highlighted by the provision of dedicated job coaches and senior manager mentors, who offered personalised guidance and support to young people. Both roles helped them navigate their placements effectively, gain confidence, and remain engaged. Including an educational component, such as the Level 1 ASDAN course in Employability Skills, provided young people with formal qualifications that boosted their employability and confidence. Training provided by the Rees Foundation equipped placement managers with the skills to support care leavers effectively, ensuring a positive and supportive work environment.
Contact
Contact: Danielle Wilson-Hollies