Derbyshire County Council supports care leavers into the world of work

Young people leaving care are being supported by Derbyshire County Council to take their first steps into employment, apprenticeships and higher education.

The authority’s Leaving Care Service is working with employers across the county, local authorities and schools to offer more opportunities for young people.

Care experienced young people often face additional barriers to finding jobs, work experience and apprenticeships.

Statistics show that around 40% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 are not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England compared to 12.7% of young people who have not been in care.

As part of the support offered to Derbyshire care leavers, the council has teamed up with Severn Trent to offer 15 young people the chance of work experience.

They were enrolled on to the company’s Work Preparation Programme, offering two weeks of experience and training in the skills they will need for work, followed by 12 months of career mentoring.

Kai, 19, who was based with the design engineering team at Severn Trent’s Raynesway offices in Derby, said the experience had been amazing.

He added: “I wanted to take part because it felt like a good way to get my foot in the door of employment and also sounded like an amazing experience.

“The impact that Severn Trent has had on me has been huge. It has made me feel so much better being part of something. I’ve absolutely loved my time there.”

Eighteen-year-old O’Shea said his time at Severn Trent had been a great experience, giving him an insight into the company and the workplace.

He added: “It made me feel quite confident in the work field and it made me feel a bit more comfortable with my co-workers.”

Hanah Hancox, work experience programme delivery specialist at Severn Trent, said: “The best thing for me to see in the young people is the growth in their confidence and the way that they work together and build their network.”

Hear from our care experienced young people: Care experienced young people talk about their experiences at Severn Trent

Councillor Paul Maginnis, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I know from experience the difficulties faced by young people, particularly those who have been in care, when it comes to getting a foot on the career ladder.

“By working with businesses, other local authorities and schools we’re creating more opportunities for young people to experience working life, gain apprenticeships and meaningful employment opportunities.

“The partnership with Severn Trent has had a really positive impact on all the young people who took part and I’m delighted that this will continue into 2027.”

The county council’s support extends beyond work experience. Young people have also secured apprenticeships within Derbyshire County Council in areas including business finance, school catering, health and social care.

A further 10 care experienced young people have been supported to complete higher education courses including BA Social Work, BSc Psychology, BA Drama and Theatre, BSc Human Geography and BA Music Performance and Songwriting.

Alongside their employment achievements, care experienced young people across Derbyshire have also received their GCSE and A-level results this summer, with many progressing onto university, apprenticeships, further education and employment.

Councillor Maginnis added: “Every success story demonstrates the resilience, determination and potential of Derbyshire’s young people and I wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.”