Education, training and employment for care leavers
We want every young person leaving care to have the support to fulfil their goals in life. We want you to have the skills and experience you need to become a successful and independent person.
You may already have some ideas about the type of work and career you want. Whatever your goal, your personal adviser (PA) can help you to achieve it.
You may want to:
- stay on at school
- go to college or university
- start an apprenticeship
- get a job
- get work experience or do some voluntary work
Education support
We can take you to college and university open days to see what’s on offer and if you want to go.
If you go to university, you’ll be eligible for extra financial support.
Walsall’s Virtual School works with children in care and care leavers. There’s a fortnightly drop-in at the TLC hub where you can meet an adviser to talk about education or training courses. They can also help you with careers advice.
We will pay for your UCAS application to university. The Virtual School adviser can help you make your application and draft your personal statement. Ask your PA if you want to book to see the adviser.
Training and employment support
We can help you write a CV.
As an employer, Walsall Council has a range of apprenticeships that you can apply for.
Some of these are ringfenced for care experienced young people. As a care leaver, you'll be guaranteed an interview for any Walsall Council apprenticeship you apply for. We pay the minimum wage for your age rather than the apprentice rate. If you maintain your attendance you'll be eligible for a £3,000 bursary.
We also offer work experience, placements, and mentoring opportunities.
Walsall Works is a programme to support people looking for work or training. There’s a fortnightly drop-in at the TLC hub where you can meet an adviser to talk about your options. Ask your PA if you want to book to see the adviser.
The Care Leaver Covenant links in with local businesses that can offer employment and work experience opportunities.
