Careers advice and guidance for children looked after (CLA)
The Employment Support Team provides additional Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for all Children Looked After (CLA) in Years 10 and 11. A minimum of one session per term is offered to support young people in exploring their aspirations, planning for their future, and preparing for progression into post-16 education, employment, or training.
Employment Officers can meet with young people outside of school hours, where requested by either the young person or their school, to provide tailored support focused on next steps and sustaining participation in education, employment, or training (EET).
Additional support available includes:
Guidance on post-16 pathways and transition planning.
CV development and application support for part-time or holiday employment.
Coordination of additional work experience placements during school holidays, where appropriate.
Individualised advice and guidance to support career aspirations and progression.
Employment Officers work collaboratively with schools to understand existing CEIAG and work experience provision, ensuring that the support offered complements and enhances the school's careers programme.
Options support for years 8 and 9
Where appropriate, and in line with individual school arrangements for option choices, Employment Officers offer additional option guidance sessions for pupils in Years 8 and 9.
These sessions aim to:
Introduce young people to the support available through the Virtual School.
Help pupils understand how their option choices can support future career aspirations and progression routes.
Encourage informed decision-making by linking subject choices to post-16 pathways and longer-term career goals.
An Employment Officer will make contact to discuss available support. For further information or enquiries, please contact the team at:
Email: employmentsupport@lancashire.gov.uk
Post-16 education, employment and training support
The Employment Support Team provides ongoing support to Children Looked After (CLA) and Care Leavers as they progress into post-16 education, employment, apprenticeships and training. The aim of this support is to help young people make informed decisions, successfully transition into their chosen pathway, and sustain positive participation in education, employment or training (EET).
Employment Officers work closely with young people, education providers, social workers, Personal Advisers and other professionals to ensure they receive the guidance and practical support needed to achieve their aspirations.
Support available includes:
Information, advice and guidance on further education, sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment opportunities.
Assistance with applications, personal statements and interview preparation.
Support to access bursaries, financial assistance and other available funding.
Guidance on apprenticeship and employment opportunities, including job search support.
CV development and employability skills coaching.
Support to overcome barriers that may impact participation in education, employment or training.
Ongoing monitoring and intervention to help young people sustain their chosen pathway and achieve positive outcomes.
Employment Officers maintain regular contact with young people throughout their post-16 journey, offering tailored support at key transition points and responding quickly where there is a risk of a young person becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
The team works collaboratively with education and training providers to ensure appropriate support is in place and that young people are able to access opportunities that reflect their individual strengths, interests and career ambitions.
For further information about post-16 support, please contact: