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The prospect of a work placement can be daunting for some care leavers. However, with the right support in place to help them, completing a placement can have an extremely positive impact on confidence and self-esteem.
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An important element of motivating young people is the preparation and support they receive to give them that essential confidence and belief that they can achieve.
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Invite people who have been on the programme to talk to young people in care to encourage them to take part.
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Provide training sessions for young people on basic skills and other workplace skills before placements start.
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Create a specific post within the leaving care team to focus on this type of activity. This person could then dedicate their time and resources to fully preparing and supporting young people.
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Work with young people so that they are aware of the long-term benefits and opportunities that a work placement may offer.
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Build relationships with employers and ensure they are informed about the needs of care leavers and how their circumstances might differ from those of their peers. This will help employers make responsible decisions when offering employment opportunities.
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Gather detailed information from the individual companies providing placements about their expectations in order to tailor referrals accurately.
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Ensure that young people are informed about the nature of employment contracts, the implications of the various types of contract and how accepting a job will impact on any other funding they receive.
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Ensure all parties are working together. Good relationships between the local authority, employers, the young people and their support networks are key to effective running of such programmes.
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Ask the question: ‘What would a parent do?’ This might mean encouraging a young person to get a good night’s sleep, giving them a lift or buying them breakfast on their first day.
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