Seeking work and training
Your Pathways Advisor can support you to access the right support to find employment or training, purchase travel passes or clothing for interviews. They will also be there to encourage you, build your confidence and help you to develop some of the skills you will need for the workplace. Pathways Advisors know a lot about the opportunities available to young people and will share these with you often.
Employment support and the job centre
When we spoke to care leavers about employment and training, one of the things that came up was how difficult going to the job centre could be. No young person wants to be in a position where they need to claim benefits, but sometimes it's the best or only option. We listened to this and spent time building a relationship with the Calderdale employment hub.
We now an employment hub advisor who supports care leavers when they attend the job centre. This advisor builds a relationship with you and will be patient and supportive when you need to access their support to find work or claim benefits.
Calderdale Care Leaver Friendly Employer charter
Calderdale is in the process of becoming a Care Leaver Friendly employer. The charter makes it easier for all organisations to offer employment opportunities to vulnerable young people leaving care. The Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter provides a set of criteria to work towards to support you thrive in the workplace and at Pathways we are working hard to make this a reality. Some of the developments in this area include:
Guaranteed interview scheme
If you identify yourself as a care leaver on any applications for Calderdale apprenticeships or jobs and you meet the minimum criteria for the post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
Apprenticeship support in the council
Calderdale Council is your family business and we are currently working on how we increase your access to quality jobs and apprenticeships with us. We meet with our recruitment team regularly to make sure we are working hard to offer you the best opportunities within the council.
When you start an apprenticeship with Calderdale, the workforce development team, your new manager and your PA can meet with you to develop an Apprenticeship Support Plan (ASP). This plan would include any reasonable adjustments you might need, how much or little involvement you want from Pathways and how to address difficulties if they come up. You might feel this is not needed and that is fine too, but it is important you know that the offer is there.
C+K careers
Pathways work closely with C+K careers, who can offer young people information, advice and guidance about employment, training and education.
To find out more, visit: High quality careers services for young people and adults (C+K Careers).