Dorset Council is a care leaver friendly employer

Dorset Council has recently been listed by the Care Leaver Covenant as a care-leaver-friendly employer. The council is proud to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to young people leaving care, and one of the ways this is achieved is through the Pathway to Employment scheme.

The Pathway to Employment scheme aims to provide meaningful opportunities and support for young people, including those who have been in care, to help them build successful careers and thrive in adulthood.  

The scheme has been designed to improve social mobility, reduce poverty, promote health and wellbeing, and provide the best possible chances for those eligible. 

The Pathway to Employment scheme aims to help young people who are already supported by Dorset Council to make the transition into employment through a range of work related and personal development opportunities.   

Opportunities include; apprenticeships, work experience, traineeships and supported internships.  

Cllr. Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills said, “Our goal is to provide young people leaving our care with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers and lives. We are proud to be a care experienced friendly employer and would urge other local businesses and organisations in Dorset to also take this step and lend their support.”  

Pre-employment skills for young people 

Dorset Council has recently launched its first 18-week pre-employment programme as part of the Pathway to Employment scheme. The programme is designed to build confidence, develop maths and English skills, and enhance employability, all while providing hands-on work experience.  

Feedback from young people so far has been overwhelmingly positive and twice-yearly programs are now planned to extend support to a greater number of young people. 

For more information about the Dorset Council Pathway to Employment, visit the website or contact the Pathway to Employment team.   

About Dorset’s Care Leavers   

There are 542 care experienced young people (age 18-25) in the Dorset Council area, and we are actively supporting 300. Every young person leaving care will need a different type and level of support and Dorset Council’s Care Leavers’ team makes sure the support is available at the right time, in the right place.  

We want all our young people to have somewhere safe to live, to do well in education and work, to grow up healthy and stay safe. Learn more about Dorset Council's Local Offer for Care Leavers.