Minutes:
The committee heard a presentation from the careers and jobs 16 + service and work being undertaken to prepare careleavers for the world of work.
Matthew, a careers adviser informed the committee of the in-service provision and work with experienced practitioners and collaboration with the world of work and businesses, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Berkley Homes and internship opportunities at the Department of Work and Pensions. The support provided by the team aims to demonstrate the experience of being in the workplace. Young people are provided with support in terms of interview practice and other measures to provide practical support and encouragement.
A number of young people present at the meeting were able to give examples of this support. A young person was able to show how the council had supported her application, improved her interview skills which enabled her to build confidence in her application to the civil service.
Another young person present had undertaken work experience in the council’s local economy team which she described as an ‘amazing’ opportunity, enabling her to gain a wide range of skills and understanding.
Additionally, work experience opportunities had taken place within the council’s highways team and homeownership team.
It was confirmed that a Southwark careers event taking place Tuesday 22 April 12-2pm at Talfourd place for Southwark careleavers.
Summary of discussion arising from the presentation
· The presentation referred to the tragic loss of a young person and the meeting. The chair referenced the particular challenges faced by some groups of young people, for example young black boys and work to be done in this area, while acknowledging the good progress and achievements to date
· The work of the programme was commended and its contribution to the support given to young people in order to overcome the first hurdle on how to get selected and into work opportunities / placements
· Young people present were asked what could be done to further encourage others and paid work was mentioned as one option
· Officers referred to the use of ‘career champions’ within teams and the discussion taking place across corporate management team and the whole council approach to further promote the opportunities for careleavers and young people
· Noted secured additional funding from the Mayor of London
· Elaine Reid thanked Matthew for his dedication and drive for the past two years for careleavers and work identify the next opportunities and next steps
· The need to understand the statistics of the careleavers cohort and whether the internships / employment strategy has resulted in an increase in the numbers.