Wolverhampton City Council has launched One Wolves Family Next Steps, a new initiative designed to create meaningful employment opportunities for young people leaving care.
The scheme aims to help care leavers build confidence and develop skills while connecting them with local employers seeking motivated recruits. Young people leaving care often face additional barriers to employment, including limited professional and family networks, lower access to work experience, and fewer opportunities to build the connections that typically lead to jobs.
What businesses can offer
Employers signing up to One Wolves Family Next Steps commit to creating employment opportunities including apprenticeships, attending training to understand the experiences of care leavers, and supporting young people as they begin work.
In return, participating businesses receive dedicated support from the council, including access to a single point of contact, guidance and training, support for managers, and promotion of opportunities through council channels.
Council backing
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "Every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their ambitions. Our care experienced young people have enormous talent, resilience and potential, but many face challenges that can make it harder to access employment opportunities."
Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Opportunities, added: "Through One Wolves Family Next Steps, businesses can play a vital role in helping young people realise their potential – while also increasing their own social impact and contributing to the development of Wolverhampton's future workforce."
Businesses interested in taking part should email corporateparenting@wolverhampton.gov.uk for more information.