St Christopher’s is introducing a Get Into Work programme in the England to support our care leavers with learning employability skills and building their confidence around work.

Young people supported by St Christopher’s expressed concerns about having the skills to secure and sustain work once they leave care, particularly as they have had limited work experience opportunities during the pandemic. We want to offer young people insight into the world of work before they began to live independently as part of our strategic commitment to promote lifelong learning and thriving.

Expertise for the new Get Into Work programme has come from our successful Support Into Employment service on the Isle of Man, which helps care leavers learn new skills and find a job that is right for them.

Thanks to funding from the Churchill Fellowship, we will recruit a Get Into Work co-ordinator to deliver an apprenticeship programme and identify work experience opportunities within St Christopher’s in the first instance. The co-ordinator will also develop an accredited qualification that enables young people to mark their progress and achievements.

The programme will develop young people’s self-confidence and skills, provide mentoring, and help them overcome the challenges of finding a job. Our hope is that giving young people a solid introduction to work will help them grow their aspirations, find sustainable employment and achieve their goals.

Geneva Ellis, Director of Income and Development said: “Establishing our Get Into Work programme will help us support young people with one of the key challenges they face when they leave care and meet their needs in a way that works for them. I am really excited to develop this programme and hope that we will give young people a positive introduction to the world of work so that they can go on to enjoy fulfilling careers and lives.”