Their first payslip. Their first set of work keys. The first time someone introduces them by their job title. Getting into work is exciting for any young person, and a bit nerve-wracking too. For young people leaving care, it can feel like a lot to take on at once, often without anyone around to pass on a contact, lend an interview outfit or cast an eye over a CV.
The good news? There’s lots of free help out there, and some of it is only for young people who’ve been in care. Not everyone hears about it, so for National Care Leavers’ Month we’ve pulled it together in one place for you to share with the young people you care for, including a brilliant free service from the charity Become.
Become’s Propel into Work
Propel into Work is Become’s free employability service for care-experienced young people. The team can help with:
- exploring different careers and working out what might suit them
- finding opportunities and searching for jobs
- writing or tailoring a CV and cover letter
- applying for jobs and apprenticeships
- preparing for interviews
- settling in once they’ve started a new job
Young people can sign up for one-to-one support over video call or phone, and the team also runs free workshops throughout the year. Find out more at becomecharity.org.uk.
Banya isn’t affiliated with Become. We just think their work is worth shouting about.
Coming up: a free Q&A on careers in policy
Propel into Work is teaming up with Become’s Policy Pop Up for a free online session on Wednesday 11 November, 6pm to 7:30pm, on Zoom. A panel of people working in policy, from campaigning to the civil service, will talk about what they do, how they got there and the different routes in, with plenty of time for questions.
To take part, young people need to join Become’s free “Become the Movement” community, which includes a quick onboarding call. If the young person you care for is interested, it’s worth helping them sign up straight away.
Extra support only care-experienced young people can get
The care leaver apprenticeship bursary
Young people aged 16 to 24 who are in care or have left care can get a £3,000 bursary when they start an apprenticeship in England. It’s paid in instalments over the first year, through the training provider, to help with the costs of starting work. To claim it, they’ll need written confirmation of their care status from their local authority, so it’s worth asking their social worker or personal adviser early. Find out more.
The Civil Service Care Leaver Internship Scheme
This is an 18-month paid internship in a government department, open to care leavers aged 18 to 30. Applications usually open once a year, in the spring, through Civil Service Jobs, so keep an eye out.
The Care Leaver Covenant
The Care Leaver Covenant works with hundreds of organisations that offer work experience, internships, apprenticeships and jobs specifically for care leavers. Their website, mycovenant.org.uk, has a board of current opportunities.
A work-ready checklist for foster carers
There are lots of small, practical things that can trip young people up when they start applying for jobs. You can help them get these sorted before they’re needed:
- ID for right-to-work checks. Most employers will ask to see a passport or birth certificate. Make sure they know where theirs are kept, or start the process of getting copies.
- National Insurance number. Young people are usually sent theirs just before they turn 16. If it’s gone missing, their social worker or personal adviser can help them track it down.
- A bank account in their own name, so they can get paid.
- A sensible email address and voicemail. First impressions count.
- Referees. A teacher, coach, youth leader or volunteering organiser can make a great first reference.
- A trial run of the journey. Help them plan and practise the route to an interview or a new job.
- Payslip basics. Talk through tax, National Insurance and what to do if their pay doesn’t look right.
Helping young people take their next step
Banya is an independent fostering agency based in London, supporting foster carers across England. If you’d like to help a young person get ready for their future, we’d love to talk to you about fostering. Contact Banya.
Want to know more about National Care Leavers’ Month and this year’s theme? Read our NCLM blog.
Frequently asked questions
What is Propel into Work?
Propel into Work is a free employability service run by the charity Become for care-experienced young people. It offers one-to-one support with choosing a career, writing a CV, applying for jobs and apprenticeships and preparing for interviews, as well as free workshops.
Who can use Propel into Work?
It’s for young people with experience of the care system, including those currently in foster care and care leavers. Foster carers and professionals can also book group workshops for the young people they support.
Is Banya Fostering part of Become?
No. Banya is an independent fostering agency and isn’t affiliated with Become. We share Become’s free resources because we think they’re helpful for the young people our foster carers look after.
What is the care leaver apprenticeship bursary?
It’s a £3,000 bursary for young people aged 16 to 24 who are in care or have left care and start an apprenticeship in England. It’s paid in instalments over the first year through the apprenticeship training provider.
Are there internships for care leavers?
Yes. The Civil Service Care Leaver Internship Scheme offers 18-month paid roles in government departments for care leavers aged 18 to 30, and the Care Leaver Covenant lists internships and work experience with other organisations.
