Introduction
What Next is part of the Corporate Parenting Strategy and provides challenging, but supportive work experience for looked after young people in all sections of South Gloucestershire Council.
Different styles of work experience are available to cater for the different needs of the young people working with the scheme. With the understanding and support of the staff of South Gloucestershire Council, work experience placements are designed for differing periods of time from one day per week for twelve weeks to two days per week for six weeks or a block placement of four weeks. By using this individually tailored style of placement What Next works to support young people in their endeavours to:
- increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in their abilities
- enhance their opportunities for appropriate training and further education for their chosen career
- get more information about possible jobs and areas of work which are of interest to them
Work experience
The work undertaken by the young people can require widely differing skills. Work is available in construction, or can be office based making good use of their IT skills. Other placements are available in catering, researching the heritage of South Gloucestershire, supporting adults with learning difficulties, working with animals or with mechanics, sports development, leisure centres, environmental health or working with young children.
The young people set themselves targets for their work experience. Their considerable achievements are rewarded with a nationally recognised award, the South Gloucestershire Award for Young People.
What Next provides flexible work and employment experience where individual placement packages are developed to complement the needs of the young person. Young people studying at school in years 10 and 11 may have work experience as a part of the weekly timetable. Once young people have left school, work experience can offer a period of sustained supervised employment whilst they gather information about relevant training or employment.
Contact details for further information
Work experience is a fun and practical way to explore your skills and abilities for work in your chosen area of employment. Contact us to find out more.
Work experience co-ordinator telephone: 01454 865929 or 07772169373.
You can also email: lynne.harris@southglos.gov.uk