Businesses in Staffordshire can learn about the key role they can play in providing opportunities for young people leaving care at an event next month.
Staffordshire County Council will set out how employers can join Staffordshire Movement for Care Leavers by creating meaningful opportunities for talented young people leaving care at its Supporting Care Leavers into Employment event on 7 May.
The business breakfast at Stoke Town Hall will showcase the advantages of breaking down preconceptions and the ways businesses can support corporate parenting.
Participants will also hear about the ambitions, aims and challenges for many young people leaving care.
Currently more than 1,100 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 are registered with Staffordshire County Council’s Families and Communities team and could benefit from the support of businesses across the county and city of Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire’s Movement for Care Leavers acts as a ‘corporate parent’ bringing together local authorities and businesses to create opportunities for care experienced young people to access education and employment.
With a broad programme of initiatives, including Pathways to Success, Own Your Future and The Guaranteed Interview Pathway, the county council provides an opportunity to improve skills and learn about career options, as well as offering a bursary pot for costs such as driving lessons, topping up university fees and funding training courses.
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said:
Our Care Leavers into Employment programme has been a huge success since its launch, and the Movement for Care Leavers initiative aims to establish lasting links with businesses to increase opportunities for our young people and nurture a valuable pool of talent. We’d urge businesses from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to attend May’s event to find out more and get on board.”
The supporting care leavers into employment event runs from 8.30am to 11am on Thursday 7 May and businesses can reserve a free spot at the event webpage.
A complimentary breakfast will be provided, and participants will be able to network with like-minded individuals and be part of an impactful initiative that can change young lives across Staffordshire
