Young man speaking to worker

Employment and training for young people leaving care

We know that by the age of 19-21 years old, four in ten care-experienced young people are not in education, employment or training.  

Your school life might have been disrupted when you went into care, money worries might have put you off staying in education, or maybe you lacked confidence at school. 

Whatever you're going through, we can help. We want to help young people gain the skills they need to enter the world of work. 

Young man and Barnardo's worker

Employment Training and Skills (ETS) courses 

In partnership with employers, schools, colleges and charities, we train and support over 3,000 young people like you every year. There’s something for everyone, whether you're interested in a construction qualification or a hairdressing apprenticeship. 

We can help you gain: 

  • Qualifications  

  • Employability skills 

  • Career advice and guidance 

  • Places in apprenticeship programmes 

  • Small group tuition (if you are 16–19-years old and your course or learning was disrupted due to Covid-19).  

The JOBS Project 

On top of this, we’ve also partnered with Amazon to create the JOBS Project.

By building on your employment experience, CV and interview skills, we'll help you get a foot on the career ladder. 

There are direct employment opportunities available at Amazon Fulfilment Centres. Or if you want to do an apprenticeship or find employment in another area of work, the programme can support with that too.

I feel ecstatic. I don’t even have words to explain how I feel. I gained my own income, feel more independent and more of an adult than I did at the beginning of the course. 

Young person who was supported by the JOBS Project and now has employment

Barnardo's employability services 

Across the UK, Barnardo's have teams of services who can help you develop the skills and confidence you need to move into work or training.

  • A young woman in a blue jacket smiling in a garden

    Accommodation for care leavers 

    Everyone deserves somewhere safe and stable to call home. Explore where you could live and find support to help you live independently. 

  • A young girl with two social workers

    What is a pathway plan and personal advisor?

    Leaving care can be a big leap. But there should be a plan in place to make it a bit easier. 

  • Young person in a school corridor with backpack on

    Financial support for care leavers 

    If you're a care-experienced young person, you may be entitled to financial support to help your education, training and employment, or for necessities such as food, transport and clothing.