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Pathway to Employment

This scheme has been designed to help our 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.

These include:
 
  • apprenticeships 
  • work experience 
  • traineeships 
  • supported internships 

It has been designed to improve social mobility, reduce poverty, promote health and wellbeing and provide the best possible chances for those eligible, who are:
 
  • Children in Care
  • Care Leavers
  • Young People with an EHCP
  • Young Carers
  • Adults with Care Act Eligible Needs

As a Dorset Council apprentice on the Pathway to Employment (PTE) scheme you will be fully supported receiving pastoral care and mentoring to help you transition into and sustain your employment. You are also offered additional tuition through our functional skills programme in maths and English if this is something you require. All our apprenticeship opportunities are paid a full salary, above national minimum, living and apprenticeship wage to ensure we meet our objectives.

The PTE apprenticeship journey

Building confidence

Working with your mentor you will explore your interests and passions and create a One Page Vocational Profile identifying what your career and personal goals are.
 

Employment preparation

You will attend practical skills and soft skills workshops preparing relevant to your career interests to prepare you for the workplace. These will include confidence building activities and work experience whilst you still have regular check-ins with your mentor.

Identifying opportunities

You will be supported to write your CV, complete job applications and have the opportunity to undertake mock interviews whilst working with a coach to complete job searches.

Achieving employment

You will receive onboarding support sessions to help you settle in to your new role and adapt to your new working environment. You will keep regular check-ins with your mentor as well as having quarterly progress reviews to reflect on your growth and discuss potential next steps.

Building a great career

You are provided ongoing support to help you sustain your employment and develop your career further through career coaching and long-term planning activities.
 

Meet the team

Emma

I am enthusiastic but also level-headed.
Doing a good job is important to me.

I love walks in the countryside with a pub stop!

Denise

I have a positive approach with a smile. My goal is to make a difference.

I like to travel the world and visit new places.

Mia

I always give 100% and am generous natured. I want to utilise my skills to support other people.

I love to read and bake.

Fran

I want to keep learning, keep giving, and keep showing up as my best self. I am non-judgemental and always want the best for people.

I love spending time with the people I care about, especially my kids.

Sam

I am supportive, reliable and enjoy helping others grow.

I’m a big Disney fan, and I love the magic and joy it brings!

Pre-employment programme

We are currently launching a pilot of our pre-employment programme, part of the Pathway to Employment initiative, aimed at helping care-experienced young people build the skills and confidence needed to secure and sustain meaningful employment.

Programme overview  

  • Weeks 1 to 4 - focus on developing essential soft skills and starting qualifications in maths and English (or alternative accredited courses based on individual needs)
  • Weeks 4 to 16 - participants will also gain practical experience through a weekly work placement
  • Towards the end of the programme, participants will receive dedicated support on CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation to ensure they are fully equipped to move forward with confidence

As this is a pilot programme, we will be actively engaging with participants throughout, learning from their experiences to continuously improve and refine the support we provide.  

Mentoring support will be provided by Emma, with ongoing education and skills support from Denise and Mia throughout the programme. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to take their first steps towards a brighter future. If you are interested in taking part please contact us or book a meeting with one of our apprenticeship and work-based learning team.

Dorset Council offer a Pre-Employment Programme as part of the Pathway to Employment initiative. It is aimed at helping care-experienced young people (aged 18-25) to build the skills and confidence needed to secure and sustain meaningful employment.

Programme overview

  • An 18 week programme during which you will study for your functional skills qualifications (or level 2 customer service qualification if functional skills/GCSEs are already held), achieve a level 1 award in employability skills and undertake a 12 week work experience placement. 
  • Towards the end of the programme, participants will receive dedicated support on CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation to ensure they are full equipped to move on with confidence.
  • To support participation, attendees will receive £30 per day expenses for each full week attended. This will help cover the costs of lunch and travel, any other resources needed for participation will be provided. Snacks and drinks will also be available each day.
  • 1-1 mentoring support will be provided by Lucy throughout the programme to support you.
  • The programme runs 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) with an extra day for work experience.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to take their first steps towards a brighter future.

If you are interested in undertaking a Pathway to Employment opportunity or wish to learn more about the scheme, please contact us.