Firms helping care leavers awarded

Friday 11th May 2012

Organisations which help young care leavers into the world of work have been recognised with an award.

Among the recipients of the From Care2Work Quality Mark were Lincolnshire County Council, and Birmingham Marriott hotel.

The award, from the National Care Advisory Service (NCAS) supported by charity Catch22, recognises the commitment of local authorities and employers which provide opportunities for care leavers.

The Lincolnshire council received the accolade for creating job opportunities for young care leavers through its leaving care team. Every quarter, 15 young people take part in work preparation groups, completing a 13-week work experience placement.

The council is also creating 14 apprenticeships for care leavers and aims to expand this further.

Debbie Barnes, the council's director of children's services, said: "As responsible corporate parents, the county council is fully committed to doing all it can to ensure that young people leaving our care receive the best possible support to boost their chances in the transition to adult life."

Birmingham Marriott has worked with local authorities to support 24 care leavers through work placements.

Care leavers were joined by a Marriott buddy who supported them in the housekeeping, kitchen, leisure, food and beverage departments.

At the end of the placement the hotel threw a celebration recognising the care leavers' achievements and offered HR advice plus CV and interview support.

Martin Hazlehurst, NCAS national manager, said: "The From Care2Work Quality Mark recognises the work that employers and local authorities are doing to ensure that young people leaving care get the best start possible in the world of work.

"We would like to congratulate those who have been given the award and encourage others to contact us."

Other award recipients were York Marriott hotel and Nottingham City Council,

For more information email ncas@catch-22.org.uk.

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