Apprenticeships, College, University and Work

Are you unsure of what you want to do after you finish school?

Need help deciding what to do next?

Would you like to know what is available to you?

Check out this easy Personal Opportunities Plan (POP) booklet to help you decide and see what is available to you.

 

Support for 16 and 17-year-olds

For all further education courses and some training schemes, you can claim an education bursary from your college or training provider. Any expenses you have when doing voluntary work will be repaid.

To find out more, have a read of page 6 of Brighton and Hove’s local offer (PDF).
 

Apprenticeships

As a Brighton & Hove care leaver, you are guaranteed a job interview for any apprenticeships within the council. They will also discuss with you any relevant work experience you may be able to undertake within the council.

Go to pages 8 and 13 of our local offer to find out more about apprenticeship help and guidance (PDF).
 

WORK AND TRAINING

Your personal assistant (PA) will support you into education, employment or training. If you live in the Brighton & Hove area you can also get help from the Youth Employment Service (YES) to access education, employment or training. This is part of the support YES offers care leavers up to the age of 25.

Care leavers who are not ready to access mainstream education or employment can access vocational training and qualifications as part of the YES Plus re-engagement programme.

The council will pay for interview clothes or special clothes you need for work as well as pay your transport costs to attend interviews.
 

Further Education and Training

Support is available for young people aged 18 to 25. For further education courses and some training schemes, you can claim either an education bursary or 19+ Learner Funds from your college.

 

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY AS A CARE LEAVER

If you're a care leaver or looked after young person applying to higher education, there's support available to help you with finance, settling in, and accommodation.

Take a look at the UCAS care leavers guide which explains why they encourage you to tick the box.

Remember to tick the box on your UCAS application to let the university or college you're applying to know you have been in care.

Many universities give a fees discount or cash bursary to young people who are care leavers under the National Scholarship Scheme or Access to Learning Fund. You will also be entitled to a student mentor if you want one.
 

UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON: SUPPORT FOR CARE LEAVERS

If you are planning to study a full-time undergraduate degree, or you might already be studying at Brighton, we have additional support available to help you through your time at university.


Support University of Brighton can offer Care Leavers

  • money help with care leaver’s bursary, financial advice, and additional financial support

  • guaranteed accommodation in your first year

  • study skills assistance to help with the academic demands of University.

Apply for this support

You need to tick the box in the care questions on your UCAS application.

For more information, call on 01273 641043 or email the team on aboutuni@brighton.ac.uk.
 

UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX: SUPPORT FOR CARE LEAVERS

If you tick the 'in care' box, you will be contacted about their support package, which includes:

  • a care leavers' Bursary of up to £5,000 per year of study.

  • priority for a Hardship Fund in the event of any financial difficulties

  • a guaranteed room in university-managed accommodation for your entire course, including all holidays for 52 weeks a year.
     

Support they offer