January 17 2020 ESL Briefing

Dear Colleagues

Did you know that our Young Careers and Pathways Team (formally known as Post 16 Participation) are managing an amazing work placement scheme for around 70-100 young people and adults each year?

Hayley does a fantastic job arranging placements for WORKS schools for young people who are keen to find out more about options and pathways in local government. Often the applicants don’t have working parents, or they are in care, and they lack the networks of support to find the work placements they want.

It’s fantastic that every successful applicant receives a mini corporate induction, they are provided with a lap top and a council email address and have full access to e learning to gain certificates whilst with us. During their placement week, everyone has a CEIAG session; they learn about apprenticeships and have an opportunity to undertake a real work challenge, get interview advice and an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Council.

For these two wonderful role models and case studies, and so many more, our work placements are making a huge positive difference to their lives:

1. Ahmed had a tricky start in life and had spent time in care and is at a point where he was looking to explore his career options. He heard of us through 16-25. He is ambitious and wanted to explore politics as a career but did not feel that he understood the pathways available. Ahmed undertook work experience with the Mayor’s office and following this attended a careers fair organised by the employment support team through the links he made on placement – https://www.bristol.works/newsblog/2019/9/6/work-experience-at-the-mayors-office (read more about him in his blog).
2. Cata took time time out to have children, has battled through postnatal depression and has also moved from overseas to the UK. At 38, Cata started volunteering with local charities and is now actively looking for paid work but wanted to do work experience to build confidence about re-entering the workplace – Cata joined our Young Careers and Pathways Team – you can read more about her experience here – https://www.bristol.works/newsblog/2019/12/16/work-experience-blogs

We need more placements like these in ESL teams, across our wider Education and Skills division, and all Council teams – we need your help NOW. Also, if you know individuals that would benefit from a placement, please contact Hayley to discuss options: Hayley.galpin@bristol.gov.uk.

Best wishes

Jane Taylor