Care leaver work experience programme
If you're looking to build your confidence, gain experience, and start thinking about your future, our care leaver work experience programme is here to support you.
We offer a range of flexible opportunities across Oxfordshire County Council, including short tasters and longer placements of up to four weeks. These are designed to fit around your life, whether you're studying, working, or figuring out your next step.
During your placement, you'll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a supportive environment. You might be helping a team with day-to-day tasks, working on small projects, or learning how different services operate. This could include areas like customer service, social care, business support, or innovation. The focus is on giving you a meaningful experience, not just observing from the sidelines.
A big part of the programme is helping you grow in confidence. Being in a workplace, meeting new people, and trying new things can feel like a big step, but you won't be doing it alone. You'll have a named supervisor or buddy, regular check-ins, and a team around you to support you throughout. Placements are designed to feel welcoming, inclusive, and respectful, so you can feel comfortable and treated as an adult.
You'll also develop valuable skills that will help you in the future, no matter which path you choose. This includes communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving — all things employers are looking for. Alongside this, we can support you with building your CV, preparing for interviews, and thinking about your next steps into work, training, or education.
We know that practical barriers can sometimes get in the way, so support is available to help you take part. This may include help with travel costs, clothing for placements or interviews, and access to advice and coaching to support your success.
If you take part in a longer placement, such as a four-week opportunity, you'll have more time to build your confidence, get to know a team, and develop your skills in a real working environment. This programme has been shaped with input from care leavers, so we've focused on what matters most — flexibility, the right level of support, and giving you a genuine opportunity to learn and grow.
If you're ready to try something new and take a step towards your future, we'd love to hear from you. You can speak to your Personal Adviser or contact us directly to find out more and apply.