Start your journey into work
If you’re looking for your first step into the world of work, this could be the perfect place to begin.
At Oxfordshire County Council, we understand that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re offering a supported work placement designed especially for care leavers. This is your chance to gain real experience, build your confidence, and learn skills that will help you move forward into whatever step you decide to take, be it education, training or employment.
You will only need curiosity, a willingness to learn, and an interest in working with people.
What you will do
You’ll spend four weeks with our Business Improvement Team, working together to make council services better for those who live in, work in or visit Oxfordshire.
You’ll get the chance to be involved in real projects that help improve how the council works. This might include helping to gather and organise information, supporting meetings and workshops, writing notes and tracking actions, and assisting with more creative tasks such as creating presentations.
You may also be asked to carry out light research to see how other councils do things, and help keep project plans or task lists up to date. Along the way, you’ll gain a great understanding of how services are reviewed, improved and redesigned.
What you will gain
This placement is all about helping you take your next step with confidence.
You’ll develop practical workplace skills such as organisation, communication, teamwork and problem solving. You’ll also gain experience of working both in the office and from home, helping you understand how modern workplaces operate.
By the end of your placement, you’ll have something valuable to add to your CV and, more importantly, a real belief in your own ability to succeed.
Where and when you will work
You’ll primarily be based at County Hall in Oxford, but this placement will offer a real mix of office and home working, giving you flexibility and experience of different ways of working.
The placement runs for four weeks, Monday to Friday.
Support during your placement
Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you’ll be supported throughout your time with us.
You’ll work alongside a friendly and experienced team, with guidance from your placement managers, Caroline French and Holly Tindle, who will support you as you learn and grow. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, build new skills and gradually take on more responsibility at a pace that feels right for you.
Who this placement is for
This placement is ideal if you want to build your confidence, gain experience in a professional environment, and learn how organisations make decisions and improve the way they work.
Whether you’re exploring your options or already interested in business, projects or improvement work, this is a great opportunity to get started.