Education, employment and training

Education, employment and training, pile of text books on desk

Your future is important, and we want to support you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you want to go to university, start an apprenticeship, learn new skills, find a job, or continue your education, we are here to help you every step of the way.

There are lots of different pathways available, and everyone's journey is different. Together, we will help you explore your options, understand what support is available, and make plans for your future.

Special Educational Needs or Disabilities

If you have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), there is additional support available through the SEND Local Offer. The SEND Local Offer provides information about education, health services, independence support and activities available to young people in Stoke-on-Trent up to the age of 25. SEND Local Offer

Support with College, Training and Course Applications

Thinking About Your Next Steps

Up to the end of Year 13, you can get extra support from the Virtual School to help you explore your options and plan for your future.

Whether you are thinking about college, sixth form, training, apprenticeships or other courses, we can help you understand what opportunities are available and find the option that is right for you.

Help with Applications

The Virtual School can support you with:

  • Exploring different courses and career options.
  • Completing application forms.
  • Applying for colleges, sixth forms and training providers.
  • Understanding entry requirements.
  • Preparing for interviews.
  • Making informed decisions about your future.

You do not have to figure it all out on your own. We can talk through your options and help you feel confident about your choices.

Specialised Careers Advice

You will also have access to a Careers Adviser who can help you think about your future goals, career pathways, education and training opportunities.

They can help you understand the different routes available and support you to make plans that are right for you.

Contact the Virtual School

If you would like support, please speak to your Social Worker, Personal Adviser or contact:

Extra Support from Symmetrical North Staffordshire Care leavers Chairty

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what course, training programme, apprenticeship or job is right for you. You might also need some help completing application forms or preparing for interviews.

Symmetrical is a local charity that supports care-experienced young people aged 17 to 25 and can help you explore your options and plan your next steps.

Symmetrical can support you with:

  • Exploring your interests and future career options.
  • Completing application forms.
  • Writing or improving your CV.
  • Preparing for interviews.
  • Building confidence.
  • Finding training, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Developing skills for employment and independent living
  • One-to-One Support

Symmetrical offers friendly and practical support from people who understand the challenges that care-experienced young people can face. They will work alongside you to help you make informed decisions about your future and achieve your goals.

Contact Symmetrical

Support from Colleges and Training Providers

Many colleges, sixth forms and training providers offer additional support for care-experienced young people.

They understand that you may need extra help to settle in, stay on track and achieve your goals.

What Support Might Be Available?

Depending on where you study, support may include:

  • A named member of staff who is there to support you.
  • Help settling into your course.
  • Guidance with education, training and career plans.
  • Help accessing financial support, bursaries and grants.
  • Support with wellbeing and emotional health.
  • Help if you are struggling with attendance or coursework.
  • Advice about accommodation, employment and future opportunities.

Help Applying for Support

Every college and training provider is different, so the support available may vary.

Your Personal Adviser can help you contact the right person, understand what support is available and make sure you are accessing everything you are entitled to.

Colleges and Training Providers in Stoke-on-Trent

If you are thinking about getting back into education, training or learning new skills, there are lots of places that can help. Your Personal Adviser can support you to contact any of these providers, attend open days and explore the options that are right for you.

Stoke on Trent College

Stoke on Trent College offers full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, adult learning, T Levels and higher education courses. It is a great place to start if you are unsure about your next step and want advice about available courses.

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG)

NSCG offers a wide range of courses, apprenticeships, adult learning and higher education opportunities. They can help you explore different career pathways, qualifications and training opportunities.

  • Website: NSCG
  • Telephone: 01782 254254

Careers Services

Careers advisers can help you explore career options, identify your strengths, create CVs, complete job applications, prepare for interviews, and find employment, training, or apprenticeship opportunities.

National Careers Service

Employment and Apprenticeship Opportunities

As part of our commitment to supporting care-experienced young people, we offer a range of employment and apprenticeship opportunities to help you achieve your goals and build your future.

Guaranteed Interviews

We know that applying for jobs can feel challenging. To help remove some of the barriers that care-experienced young people can face, Stoke-on-Trent City Council offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme. This means that if you meet the essential criteria for a role, you will be guaranteed an interview, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience and potential.

Apprenticeships and Work Opportunities

We also offer apprenticeship and employment opportunities specifically for care-experienced young people. These opportunities can help you gain valuable qualifications, work experience and skills while earning a wage.

Examples include opportunities across different Council services, including our Service User Apprenticeship Involvement and other apprenticeship and employment programmes as they become available. Where can these be found

Support with Finding Work

Your Personal Adviser can support you every step of the way by helping you to:

  • Search for jobs, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.
  • Explore training and career pathways.
  • Create or update your CV.
  • Complete application forms.
  • Prepare for interviews.
  • Build your confidence and employment skills.
  • Access financial support for travel, work clothing and equipment.

We will work with you to help you achieve your career goals, develop your skills and reach your full potential.

Additional Advice and Support

Alongside the support available through the Next Steps Service, there are also a number of local and national organisations that can provide advice, guidance and opportunities to help you with education, employment, training and career planning. The following pages include information about some of the services available to support you on your journey towards employment and independence

Moving On Up Network

The Moving On Up Network supports care-experienced young people to access higher education, employment, training and other progression opportunities. It provides useful resources, advice and information to help you achieve your goals. Visit: https://www.movingonup.ac.uk

National Apprenticeship Service

You can search and apply for apprenticeship opportunities across England through the Government's apprenticeship website. The site also provides information about apprenticeship levels, pay and support available to apprentices, including care-experienced young people. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Become

Become is the national charity for children in care and care-experienced young people. They provide free advice, information and advocacy to help you understand your rights and entitlements. Visit: https://becomecharity.org.uk

Care Leaver Covenant

The Care Leaver Covenant provides opportunities, discounts, offers and support from organisations across the country to help care-experienced young people as they move into adulthood. Visit: https://mycovenant.org.uk

If you would like help accessing any of these services or understanding what support is available to you, your Personal Adviser or the Next Steps Service will be happy to help. This includes helping you complete applications, access funding, explore training and employment opportunities, and make informed decisions about your future.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship could be a great way to start your career. Apprenticeships combine paid employment with free training, allowing you to earn a wage while gaining qualifications, skills and valuable work experience.

There are apprenticeship opportunities available at different levels, including Foundation Apprenticeships, Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3), Higher (Levels 4 and 5) and Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7). As a care-experienced young person, you will be able to access Foundation Apprenticeships and Level 7 Apprenticeships up to the age of 24, giving you additional opportunities to develop your skills and career.

You can choose an apprenticeship that matches your interests, experience and career goals. Whether you want to work in health, social care, construction, business, digital technology, engineering, hospitality or the public sector, there are apprenticeship opportunities available to help you build a successful future.

£3,000 Bursary

If you start an apprenticeship before your 25th birthday, you will be entitled to the £3,000 Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary. This is a national payment for eligible care-experienced young people and is not a discretionary payment from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The bursary is tax-free, does not count as income for Universal Credit, and does not need to be repaid. It is paid to you through your training provider during your first year of an apprenticeship.

The £3,000 Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary is a one-off payment and is not paid every year of your apprenticeship. It is usually paid in three instalments of £1,000 during your first year.

To receive the bursary, you must:

  • Be under 25 when you start your apprenticeship.
  • Be an eligible child, relevant child or former relevant child.
  • Provide confirmation of your care-experienced status to your training provider.
  • Not have received the bursary previously.

Your Personal Adviser can help you explore apprenticeship opportunities, find suitable vacancies, complete applications, prepare for interviews and access financial support. We can also provide confirmation of your care leaver status where this is required to access the apprenticeship bursary or other support. It is your choice whether you tell an employer that you are care experienced. You do not have to disclose your care experience to an employer unless you wish to do so.

We will work alongside local employers, training providers, colleges and Stoke-on-Trent City Council services to help you access apprenticeships and achieve your career ambitions. Apprenticeships can provide a pathway into long-term employment while allowing you to continue learning, earning and progressing throughout your career.

You can search and apply for apprenticeships through the Government's national website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Apprenticeship Hub https://www.stoke.gov.uk/info/20027/adult_education/817/apprenticeship_hub

 Stoke-on-Trent College Apprenticeships

Stoke-on-Trent Young People's Careers Service

Help with the Costs of Education, Training and Work

We do not want money or travel costs to stop you from achieving your goals.

If you are attending education, training, an apprenticeship, interviews or starting work, we may be able to help with the costs involved. This could include support with bus or train travel, travel passes, getting to interviews, attending university open days, travelling to apprenticeships, or getting to work until you receive your first wage.

We can also help with the cost of essential items you may need, such as:

  • Books and course materials.
  • Specialist equipment and educational resources.
  • Uniforms and IT equipment required for study.
  • Interview clothing and workwear.
  • Safety boots and protective equipment.
  • Identification documents.
  • Tools and equipment needed for employment, training or apprenticeships.

Your Personal Adviser will talk to you about your individual circumstances and help you access the support available, so that practical costs do not become a barrier to your education, training or future career.

If you would like advice about any of the financial support available, speak to your Personal Adviser or contact the Next Steps Service on 01782 233575.

16 to 19 Bursary Fund

If you are aged 16 to 19 and attending a college, sixth form, training provider or other further education course, you may be able to access the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.

This is not something provided by the Next Steps Service. It is a national scheme available through education and training providers to help young people with the costs of studying.

Vulnerable Young Person Bursary

As a care-experienced young person, you may be eligible for the Vulnerable Young Person Bursary, which is part of the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund.

This additional support is available because the government recognises that some young people may need extra help to stay in education or training.

What Can It Help Pay For

The bursary can help with:

  • Travel to and from college or training.
  • Essential course equipment.
  • Meals whilst studying.
  • Books and learning materials.
  • Educational trips and activities.
  • Other costs linked to your education or training.

How We Can Help

If you are currently in care or are a care-experienced young person, you will be entitled to a Vulnerable Young Person Bursary of up to £1,200 each academic year. Your Personal Adviser will support you with the application process and make sure you access the financial support available to help you stay in education or training.

The amount you receive will depend on your individual circumstances and how your education provider chooses to distribute the funding.

Going to University

University can open up exciting opportunities, and we are here to help you achieve your ambitions. We will support you throughout your journey, helping you explore your options, apply for courses and access the financial and practical support you need to succeed.

We can help you:

  • Explore university options and courses.
  • Attend university open days and support with travel costs if needed.
  • Complete your UCAS application.
  • Apply for Student Finance.
  • Search and apply for scholarships, bursaries and additional funding.
  • Plan where you will live while studying.
  • Access accommodation during university holiday periods.
  • Access the support available to care-experienced students at university.

Financial Support at University

If you go to university, we will provide financial support throughout your studies.

This includes:

  • We provide a £15,000 university bursary, paid in equal monthly instalments throughout the length of your degree, subject to attendance and engagement we which provide.
  • The statutory Higher Education Bursary of £2,000, paid in instalments across each academic year.
  • We support towards accommodation costs during university holiday periods when required.
  • We Support with the cost of attending university open days.
  • We Support with the cost of your graduation gown and cap when you complete your degree.

Student Loans and Financial Support for University

If you go to university, you may be able to apply for financial support through Student Finance England to help cover the cost of your studies and living expenses.

There are two main types of student finance:

Tuition Fee Loan

This loan helps pay for your university tuition fees and is paid directly to your university. You do not have to pay any fees upfront. The loan is repayable, but only after you have finished or left your course and are earning above the repayment threshold.

Maintenance Loan

This loan helps with living costs such as accommodation, food, travel, books, and other day-to-day expenses. The money is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each academic term. The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and where you live while studying.

Your Personal Adviser will support you to understand your finances before you start university, complete student finance applications, access bursaries and grants, and make sure you receive all the financial support you are entitled to throughout your studies.

For more information, visit:

Housing Support While You Study

We want you to feel safe, settled and confident while you study.

Whether you go to college, university or another higher education course, your Personal Adviser (PA) will help you explore your accommodation options and find somewhere that is right for you.

Paying for Accommodation

If you live in student accommodation, a house share or private rented accommodation while studying, you will usually use your Student Finance Maintenance Loan and any other income you receive to help pay your rent and living costs during term time.

Support During University Holidays

We understand that, as a care-experienced young person, you may not have family you can return to during university holidays.

We will work with you to make sure you always have somewhere safe and suitable to stay during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.

Where appropriate, Stoke-on-Trent City Council will cover the cost of accommodation during university holiday periods.

University Accommodation

Many students choose to live in university accommodation, often called halls of residence.

Some universities offer 365-day accommodation for care-experienced students, allowing you to stay during term time and holidays.

Shared Houses and Flats

You may choose to live with other students in a shared house or flat.

Sharing accommodation can help reduce costs because rent and bills are shared between everyone living there.

Living Independently

You may prefer to live in your own flat or self-contained accommodation.

Your Personal Adviser can help you understand the costs involved and make sure you have the support you need to manage your tenancy successfully.

Private Rented Accommodation

Some students choose to rent from a private landlord.

We can help you understand tenancy agreements, compare costs and make sure accommodation is safe, suitable and affordable.

Help Finding Accommodation

You do not have to do this on your own.

Your Personal Adviser can help you:

  • Visit accommodation and university open days.
  • Contact university accommodation teams.
  • Search for student accommodation.
  • Explore private rented accommodation.
  • Compare costs.
  • Understand tenancy agreements.
  • Plan for rent, bills and living expenses.
  • Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Studying Away From Stoke-on-Trent

If you choose to study outside Stoke-on-Trent, we will help you plan your move and understand all of your accommodation options before making a decision.

If You Need Other Accommodation Options

If university accommodation is not right for you, we can help you explore other options, including:

  • Private rented accommodation.
  • House shares.
  • Independent living.

Our aim is to help you find accommodation that is safe, suitable and affordable.

If You Need a Guarantor

Some landlords may ask for a rent guarantor.

If this happens, we will discuss your circumstances with you and consider what support may be available to help you secure accommodation.

Pastoral Support While You Study

Starting college, university or training can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. We want to make sure you have the right people around you to support you throughout your studies.

Your Personal Adviser will stay in touch with you whilst you are studying and will continue to provide advice, guidance and practical support. They can help you with any worries or challenges you may face and work with you to find solutions.

Many colleges, universities and training providers have dedicated support staff for care-experienced students. These staff can help with accommodation, finances, wellbeing, settling into student life, academic support and accessing additional services when needed.

  • Wellbeing and mental health services.
  • Counselling services.
  • Disability and learning support services.
  • Student support and welfare teams.
  • Academic tutors and mentors.
  • Peer support and care-experienced student networks.
  • Local health and community services.

Your Personal Adviser can help you access these services and make sure you get the support you need. We will continue to work alongside you throughout your studies and help you overcome any difficulties that may affect your wellbeing, attendance or progress.

Support When You Finish University

Graduating from university is a huge achievement, and we want to continue supporting you as you take your next steps into employment, further study and independent adult life.

Your support does not stop when you finish your degree. Your Personal Adviser will continue to work with you to help you plan for the future and achieve your goals.

We Can Support You To:

  • Find suitable accommodation when you finish university.
  • Access your Setting Up Home Allowance (Leaving Care Grant) if you have not already received it.
  • Access benefits and financial support while you are looking for work or continuing your studies.
  • Manage your money through budgeting advice and financial planning.
  • Search and apply for jobs, and graduate opportunities.
  • Access careers advice, employment support and training opportunities.
  • Update your CV and prepare for interviews.
  • Build confidence as you move into employment and independent living.
  • Maintain important relationships and support networks.
  • Access emotional wellbeing support if you need it.
  • Continue to receive support from your Personal Adviser up to the age of 25.

Support for Postgraduate Study and Courses Continuing Beyond Age 25

We want you to achieve your ambitions and will support you to explore all education and training opportunities, including postgraduate study such as Master's degrees and other higher-level qualifications.

However, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's financial support for higher education is available to eligible care-experienced young people up to the age of 25 and does not extend to postgraduate study. This means that we do not provide financial support, bursaries, accommodation funding or other higher education funding for postgraduate courses.

If your course continues beyond your 25th birthday, your entitlement to support from the Leaving Care Service will end when you reach the age of 25. Before this happens, your Personal Adviser will work with you to plan ahead and make sure you understand what support and funding may be available from other organisations.

We will provide information, advice and guidance about alternative sources of support, including Student Finance England, university support services, bursaries, scholarships, accommodation services and other community resources that may be available to you.

Our aim is to help you plan for the future and ensure you have the information you need to make informed decisions about continuing your education beyond the support available through the Leaving Care Service.

Adult Learning

Stoke-on-Trent Adult and Community Learning offers a wide range of free and low-cost courses for adults aged 19 and over. Whether you want to improve your confidence, gain qualifications, learn new skills, prepare for work, change careers or progress in your current job, there are lots of opportunities available.

Courses may include:

  • English, maths and digital skills.
  • Employability and job-search support.
  • Health and social care training.
  • Teaching Assistant qualifications.
  • Vocational and work-related courses.
  • Health and wellbeing programmes.
  • Community learning and personal development courses.
  • Training to help you progress into employment, apprenticeships or further education.

Adult Learning can be a great option if you want to improve your skills, build your confidence, gain qualifications or take the next step towards your career goals.

Your Personal Adviser can help you explore the courses available and support you to enrol on a programme that is right for you.

Website: https://www.stokefutures.co.uk/adult-learning/

For more information contact Stacey.Hargreaves@stoke.gov.uk

Jobs, Enterprise and Training (JET)

If you are looking for a job, apprenticeship, training course or support to build your confidence, JET (Jobs, Enterprise and Training) can help.

JET is a free employment and skills service provided by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The service supports local people to develop their skills, access training and find employment opportunities.

JET can help you to:

  • Explore employment and training opportunities.
  • Access local job vacancies.
  • Create or improve your CV.
  • Complete job application forms.
  • Prepare for interviews and build your confidence.
  • Access training courses and qualifications.
  • Connect with local employers who are recruiting.
  • Receive one-to-one support to help you achieve your goals.

As a care-experienced young person, your Personal Adviser can work with JET to make sure you receive the right support and opportunities to help you progress into employment, training or further learning.

Care Leaver Covenant

The Care Leaver Covenant is a national programme that helps care-experienced young people aged 16 to 25 access extra opportunities and support as they move into adulthood. It brings together businesses, colleges, universities, charities, public services and employers who have made a commitment to support care-experienced young people.

Through the Care Leaver Covenant, you can access:

  • Apprenticeships, jobs and work experience opportunities.
  • Education and training support.
  • Mentoring and career advice.
  • Discounts on goods and services.
  • Health and wellbeing opportunities.
  • Practical support to help you become more independent.

Your Personal Adviser can help you register and explore the opportunities available through the Care Leaver Covenant.

Care Leaver Covenant Website:

 Stoke Futures

Thinking about your future can feel exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you are looking for a job, apprenticeship, training course, college place, university course or simply want to explore your options, there is support available to help you.

Stoke Futures is a free service delivered by YMCA North Staffordshire that helps young people explore their education, training and employment opportunities.

Through Stoke Futures, you can get support to:

  • Explore different career and education options.
  • Find apprenticeships, jobs and training opportunities.
  • Access careers information and guidance.
  • Build your confidence and develop new skills.
  • Find courses and qualifications that match your interests and goals.
  • Make informed decisions about your future.

Your Personal Adviser can help you access Stoke Futures and support you to make the most of the opportunities available.

Website: www.stokefutures.co.uk

YMCA

We work closely with the YMCA on a range of opportunities for care experienced young people

This includes:

YES Employment & Education Coach

Dedicated Support for care leavers to gain new skills and qualifications and find employment.  We offer 1 - 1 coaching and a range of opportunities to get involved

Activities

A full programme of activities including arts / crafts / sports / residentials / courses / qualifications.  

Future Ready Pledge

The Future Ready Pledge encourages businesses to provide real-world career experiences and skills for care leavers from across the city.  We now have over 50 businesses signed up and recently delivered a workshop to employers on the challenges young care leavers may face,

Accommodation

We offer a range of accommodation units for young people aged 16 - 24.  Providing low level and higher-level support where needed.  We also have a number of units for young workers so that young people are not discouraged from gaining employment due to high support rent costs.

Youth Governance & Leadership

We host a youth governance group for young people 16 - 24 to explore leadership, decision making and support the design and delivery of our services.  

in addition, we have supported the peer research, looking to host a citywide event as part of care leavers month, working with philanthropy to offer paid work experience placements to care leavers and through newly secured funding, exploring setting up a dedicated charity for care leavers and ran by care leavers (YMCANS would be an LTO offering all back-room support to get started) .

https://ymcans.org.uk/creating-opportunities-changing-lives-supporting-care-leavers/

Jobcentre Plus and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Jobcentre Plus can help you find work, access training opportunities and understand what benefits you may be entitled to. If you are looking for a job, apprenticeship or training course, your Jobcentre Work Coach can provide advice, support and guidance to help you achieve your goals.

Jobcentre Plus can support you with:

  • Looking and applying for jobs.
  • Accessing training and employment programmes.
  • CV writing and job applications.
  • Interview preparation and confidence building.
  • Universal Credit and benefit queries.
  • Advice about employment and financial support.

As a care-experienced young person, your Personal Adviser can work alongside you and your Jobcentre Work Coach to help make sure you receive the right support and access all the opportunities available to you.

Stoke-on-Trent Jobcentre Plus

  • 91 Upper Huntbach Street
  • Hanley
  • Stoke-on-Trent
  • ST1 2BX

Universal Credit Helpline

  • 0800 328 5644

Website

  • https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus  
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Care leavers local offer