Issue - meetings

To set out the draft action plan to improve employment opportunities for care leavers. 

Concern was expressed by Members over the excessive use of acronyms in the report. Following the previous meeting there had been multi agency meetings which had resulted in a draft employment action plan, intended to improve employment opportunities for care leavers.

 The main gaps within the current provision were identified as:-

• Although there are a number of employment and apprenticeship initiatives available for care leavers they appeared to be unaware of these opportunities or they were unable to utilise them due to the issues below. 

Ø      There is no lead person responsible for advising young people within leaving care and asylum service about employment opportunities

Ø      Young people need to be made aware of new developments on employment opportunities for young people e.g. care2 work program, apprenticeships

Ø      The apprenticeship opportunities that are available have stringent criteria that young people are unable to fulfil

Ø      Lack of data analysis and young peoples involvement in identification of employment or courses that will meet their needs

The action plan was noted. 

RESOLVED:

That a needs assessment progress report be presented to the next meeting to include the number of people involved and their tasks,  opportunities for work experience and links with local employers and more information on the gaps in provision.