Businesses in Hull are being urged to offer support for the city’s young care leavers.
During Humber Business Week, Hull City Council is highlighting what can be done to help people aged from 16 to 25 who have at some point been taken into local authority care.
Mark Jones, the council’s Director of Regeneration, said: “Hull City Council has a corporate parenting responsibility to give these young people the best chances in life. Therefore, we have been unlocking opportunities within the council and are encouraging businesses to do the same.
Chelsea Platten, Hull City Council’s Young Persons Regeneration Champion.
“Our aim is to get the business community and other partners to commit to providing additional support for these young people, to help them transition into adulthood and experience the same opportunities in life as their peers.”
Businesses are encouraged to help care leavers by offering:
- Industry visits
- Work experience
- Practice interviews
- Mentoring
- Presentations
- Apprenticeships or job opportunities
And care leavers who have received support are praising the push.
Chelsea Platten, Hull City Council’s Young Persons Regeneration Champion, said: “Working for the council has allowed me to make a difference to people’s lives, but also provided me with financial stability and the opportunity to build a future in a job I’m passionate about.”
Ellis Wilson, apprentice joiner with NPS Humber, left, and Gavin Garner, facilities assistant at Hull Trinity Indoor Market.
Gavin Garner, facilities assistant at Hull Trinity Indoor Market said: “Hull City Council supported me on a caretaking apprenticeship and I’m now in employment with Hull City Council – and I’m loving every minute of it.”
Ellis Wilson, apprentice joiner with NPS Humber, said: “After a work trial, I secured a joinery apprenticeship with NPS. The support they’ve given me is brilliant and I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity.”
Get involved or learn more by calling 01482 614536.
