We will help you to reach your goals and fulfil your potential by helping you to access higher and further education and work opportunities. Part of your Pathway Plan is all about what you want to do in the future and whether you want to go to college, university or complete an apprenticeship. You will have a chance to talk it all through with your Personal Adviser (PA). Personal Education Plan's (PEP) will also continue in the academic year you turn 18 and beyond this if you would like them too.
Page contents
- Thinking about education
- Post-16 education and training options
- Going to university
- Surrey Adult Learning
- Financial support
Thinking about education
If you want your PA to support you with finding education, please ask. Before you meet your PA to discuss, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have a specific career in mind?
- What subjects have you studied at school or college?
- Do you have a passion for something?
- Have you had a careers appointment to talk through your ideas?
You will be able to find out lots of information about college or university online including entry requirements, open days, student life and much more. You will also be able to find apprenticeship vacancies and opportunities.
You can arrange an advice and guidance session with a student adviser who can help you choose the right course for you based on your current qualifications and career aspirations. If you don't have any qualifications, don't worry, there will still be some courses you can apply for. Your PA can help you with application forms and interview tips.
Most college courses start in September but there may be some which start in January. You will need to contact the colleges to find out more.
Post-16 education and training options
The Government policy Raising the Participation Age (RPA), states that young people who started education in year 11 (or the years below) in September 2013, must remain in some form of education or training until 18 years. This is to help young people fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or life circumstances. The school leaving age has not changed. Young people will be able to leave school after year 11 and choose the post-16 option that is best for them.
The available options include:
- full-time education – such as school or college
- an apprenticeship or traineeship
- part-time education or training - as well as being employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week.
Traineeships
A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience. It allows you to develop your skills and gain qualifications, including English and Maths for those who need it, whilst benefitting from high quality work experience. Traineeships can last from 6 weeks to 6 months and are an ideal stepping stone into an Apprenticeship. Traineeships are not paid, but the costs of travel and meals may be supported by the training provider or employer.
You can find out more about traineeships and search live vacancies within Surrey on the Gov.uk website.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to earn a salary whilst studying for a nationally recognised qualification and getting 'on the job' training. It's a way to gain experience, strengthen your CV and build your career. There is a wide range of apprenticeships available to suit every skill and passion and the training provider will offer support for any additional needs. It's a different way of learning compared to college or university, and you could learn skills that will be valued by potential employers.
Apprenticeships range from intermediate level (equivalent to GCSE level) right up to degree level and are available in a wide range of different industries. If you're not quite ready for an apprenticeship, then you might be interested in a traineeship.
Surrey County Council also offers specific apprenticeships just to care leavers, ask your social worker or PA for more information.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, as long as you're eligible to work in the UK and are not in full-time education. There's no upper age limit and they're a great way to get your career started, or even to re-train in something new.
All apprenticeships last for a minimum of 12 months. Most apprenticeships take between 1 - 4 years to complete, however it will depend on the level and the way the apprenticeship is being delivered. If you are under 25 and have been in local authority care, your training provider can also support you to access a £3,000 bursary from the government when you start your apprenticeship.
To access this bursary, you will need to give your training provider proof that you're eligible. Please talk to your Personal Adviser and they can give you the evidence you need. This funding will be claimed from the government by your training provider, and then paid directly to you by your training provider. It is to support you in your role and is in addition to your wage. You are not required to pay it back.
The Care Leavers' Service (CLS) works closely with a variety of teams and organisations who can offer mentoring support and practical advice to help you find the best apprenticeship according to your interests and career goals.
Finding apprenticeships resources
Find an apprenticeship is the government's central portal for apprenticeship jobs. This dedicated website allows you to search by your location and filter by the level of apprenticeship you want to look for. Registering for an account will make it easier to use the 'saved search' feature so that you can receive alerts when new jobs are added which meet your criteria. You will also be able to check on your applications and shortlist apprenticeships you would like to apply for.
Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured training programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well.
The Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme is a flagship scheme which gives care leavers the chance to benefit from a 12-month paid internship in a central Government department/agency, with the possibility of the post being made permanent at the end of the 12 months.
Highway Alliance
The Care Leavers Service are offering open days in order for young people who may be interested In potential apprenticeships or employment in a broad range of infrastructure industries to learn about the options available through apprenticeships at levels 2-6, and direct employment.
The organisations part of the Highway Alliance are: Ringway, Milestone Infrastructure, AtkinsRealis and Yunex Traffic.
On these days, care leavers can:
- meet people who are recruiting for apprentices in architecture, civil, mechanical or structural engineering, highways, streetlighting, electrical maintenance, as well as project management, communications, and quantity surveying.
- find out more about what these industries do
- get crucial information such as starting salary and application dates
- build confidence in how to apply.
Please speak with your PA as to when the next open day is taking place, alongside any exciting apprenticeship opportunities the Highways Alliance may be offering at this current time.
Career Matters
Are you care experienced aged 16-25, interested in a health or social care career and looking for support? Career Matters is a social enterprise which works to improve access to education, employment and training for all. They work to create positive, meaningful employment pathways working in partnership with education and employers.
Support from Career Matters can include:
- online career guidance
- access to the Thrive platform where you can get support with training, advice & job opportunities
- for some young people: mentoring and a pre-employment skills programme may be offered.
If you would like to register your interest and learn more about how Career Matters can support you
Going to university
If you are interested in going to university, but are not sure where to start, take a look at The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website which has all the up to date information around courses and financial support as well as advice and guidance around what other options are available such as a gap year, apprenticeships and employment pathways. The UCAS website is also where you will make your university application. Your PA, social worker, foster carer or keyworker can support you in attending University Open Days.
Some universities offer care leavers the opportunity to gain a place on a chosen study programme, even if you don't have the required qualifications. You will need to speak directly with each university to get more information on the options available. Some universities provide support and scholarships to care leavers so make sure you check out their website for more information.
Propel is part of Become, a charity for children in care and young care leavers. Propel a directory which provides information on the support available to you from colleges and universities offering Higher Education (HE) courses across the UK.
The Unite Foundation delivers a unique university accommodation scholarship for care leavers and estranged young people across the UK. The scholarship takes care of students' accommodation and bills, covering up to three full years of study.
The CLS has produced a leaflet to support you in understanding more about University please discuss this with your PA and any questions you may have.
Surrey Adult Learning
Surrey Adult Learning provides inclusive opportunities to promote learning, health and wellbeing. We inspire people to achieve their potential. With seven dedicated adult learning centres in North and South West Surrey, plus nearly a hundred community venues and an extended online programme, we can meet the needs of learners in and around Surrey.
Financial support
Yes, but how much depends on your age and situation. You can find some of the financial support available to you here, and you can also talk to your social worker or PA who will be able to help you find out exactly what you are entitled to.
Most young people in higher education are not entitled to welfare benefits. However, in some circumstances, you may be entitled to Income Support and Housing Benefit. Some of these circumstances might include lone parents, young people with long term illnesses, or those with a registered disability – they may be eligible for additional benefits whilst studying. Talk to your PA if you think you may qualify for help.
Files available to download
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Higher Education Support Package and Reference Guide for Surrey Care Leavers (PDF)
A guide on financial support, bursaries, accommodation and support from our leaving care service for when entering higher education or university.
