Care leavers local offer - your employment

We want to make sure every Care Experienced young person is able to achieve their goals. We can offer you support as you start to look for the next steps into employment, apprenticeships, training, and volunteering.  

Work placements 

When you leave school, college or university you might not be ready for the world of work. As a Corporate Parent we feel it is important to give you the opportunity for work experience and work 'tasters' through a short placement in the council or a local business. We work with all departments within Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and with local companies to provide these opportunities. 

If you would like a work placement or a 'taster' in a particular area, then please speak to your Personal Adviser.

These opportunities can help you:

• understand the world of work
• gain valuable experience
• develop your CV
• gain skills for any future work opportunities

You may also be entitled to this if you are a Qualifying young person, depending on your situation. Please ask your Personal Adviser if you have one. If not please ring the service and speak to a Duty Officer on 01642 527860 or email us at lookedafterchildrenadmin@stockton.gov.uk.

Apprenticeships 

We offer an excellent apprenticeship programme and are committed to offering our care experienced young people opportunities to gain employment with us. If you would like more information on our apprenticeship programme, speak to your personal adviser or visit our Employment and Training Hub.

Employment 

When you're ready for the world of work, we'll be by your side because we know that it can be an anxious time.

If you apply to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council for a job, we will guarantee you an interview providing you meet the Person Specification that you will receive in the Applicant Pack. The Person Specification tells you about the attributes, skills and qualifications that are considered 'essential' for the successful applicant and those that are considered 'desirable'. Your Personal Adviser can help you with this.

If you are an Eligible, Relevant or Former Relevant young person then our team can support you with employment preparation including:

• developing your CV
• helping you write an application form 
• picking your references 
• mentoring
• preparing you for your interview
• identifying funding for tools 
• identifying funding for equipment 
• identifying funding for essential clothing 

Once employed, we will continue to support you and help you develop your independence skills to ensure you are successful, this can include:

• having the right clothes to wear for work 
• routines
• expectations
• budgeting
• travel costs

If you have any problems, we can support you to discuss these with your employer, or act as your advocate. 

If you're a Qualifying young person, you may be able to have some of this support. Please ask your Personal Adviser if you have one. If not please ring the service and speak to a Duty Officer on 01642 527860 or lookedafterchildrenadmin@stockton.gov.uk.

If you would like more information or support to find employment, speak to your Personal Adviser or visit our Employment and Training Hub.

Visit the Stockton Information Directory for external organisations to help with employment.