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Durham County Council’s Sessional Employment Programme offers paid work experience opportunities tailored to Care Experienced Young People. By aligning placements with individual talents and career aspirations, the program aims to foster meaningful career development.

In February 2024, Stephen, a young person in care, sought a Sessional Employment placement that would complement his Personal Trainer studies.

A suitable opportunity was identified at Freemans Quay Leisure Centre, thanks to assistance from Volunteer Culture and Sport. Stephen began his placement in April, working one day a week.

Stephen excelled in his role and was well-received by the team. Encouraged to enhance his qualifications, he pursued and completed a lifeguard course with funding support facilitated through the Area Action Partnership (AAP).

Upon completion, Stephen was informed of job openings at Freemans Quay by manager Peter Symm, who expressed interest in his continued employment.

With support, Stephen applied for Leisure Attendant roles at Durham and another local authority. He secured interviews and received job offers from both. Ultimately, he accepted the role with Durham and will be working at Freemans Quay, rejoining the team where he previously completed his placement.

Stephen’s successful transition from a Sessional Employment placement to a permanent position at Freemans Quay highlights the effectiveness of Durham’s employment programme in facilitating career growth and stability for Care Experienced Young People.

Share Your Thoughts on Careers Support for Young People and Adults in County Durham

Durham County Council is working closely with dmh associates to co-create with local partners a new all-age Careers Framework designed to support everyone in County Durham.

A well developed Careers Framework can help ensure people of all ages receive personalised high-quality careers support throughout their lives.

The researchers would really like to hear from you – please click on the following link to share your experiences and ideas:

‘Survey of Young People and Adults’.

This should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, and your feedback is really important to us.

By completing the survey, you will be greatly helping to improve careers support services across the County.

Thank you!

Zoe O’Keefe, a 20-year old who had just finished sixth form, felt lost and scared about her future. Unsure how to apply for or even looks for a job, Zoe was referred to DurhamWorks by the Job Centre.

Her initial interactions with DurhamWorks were positive and friendly, providing her with much-needed reassurance. DurhamWorks offered Zoe guidance on her career aspirations and enrolled her in a hospitality course, which she completed successfully. This experience significantly boosted her confidence and have her a clear understanding of her career goals.

Zoe’s participation in the DurhamWorks Youth Forum and in Youth Conferences further developed her communication skills and ability to interact with employers. According to David Curry, Young People’s Engagement Worker for DurhamWorks, Zoe’s confidence improved dramatically.

Her active participation in various programs helped her grow, eventually leading to her securing a job with a local company in Bishop Auckland.

Through the assistance of DurhamWorks, Zoe gained skills, confidence, and a clear career path.

Zoe and DurhamWorks Transcript.pdf

If, like Zoe was, you’re unsure how to apply or look for jobs, start your DurhamWorks journey today by completing our referral form.

Ellis Hudspeth, an 18-year-old from Newton Aycliffe, found himself disinterested in traditional education paths. College didn’t appeal to him, and he was uncertain about his future and career prospects.

Ellis came across DurhamWorks through a local newspaper. Intrigued by what he learned, Ellis signed up for the programme, hoping it would provide the guidance and support he needed.

I thought, ‘I’ll have a go at this!’ and I’m quite far ahead now from where I was orginally.

 

Ellis

Ellis quickly immersed himself in the various opportunities offered by DurhamWorks. His participation in the Youth Forum allowed him to engage with peers and mentors, significantly boosting his confidence and skills.

I credit them quite a lot, actually. I’m really grateful for them, like, really grateful for them because they’ve helped me out so much, and they’ve guided me so much.

Ellis

Through one-on-one mentoring, work experience placements, and consistent support, Ellis has begun to see a clear path to his future goals. The tailored guidance helped him understand how to find and apply for jobs, something he previously found daunting.

Ellis has worked with us now for a long period of time with the DurhamWorks Futures programme. He’s the only one with 100% attendance at the Forum, and his contributions have been fantastic.

 

David Curry, Young People’s Engagement Worker

Ellis’ dedication is evident in his perfect attendance record at the Youth Forum. His active participation and eagerness to learn have been remarkable, showcasing his commitment to his personal and professional growth.

So again, with Ellis, I can see how his confidence, his team working skills; I can see how they’ve really come on in that period of time

 

David Curry, Young People’s Engagement Worker

David Curry, Young People’s Engagement Worker at DurhamWorks, noted significant improvements in Ellis’ confidence and teamwork skills. These developments are a testament to Ellis’ hard work and the comprehensive support provided by the programme.

My hope for the future is just to find a permanent job and hopefully start getting a car and all that sort of stuff. I wouldn’t be as far as I am now; I would’ve had no idea how to find a job.

Ellis

Ellis is now focused on securing a permanent job and achieving personal milestones such as getting a car. The skills and experience gained through DurhamWorks have equipped him with the tools needed to pursue his ambitions.

Ellis’ journey with DurhamWorks highlights the profound impact of tailored support and guidance for young individuals uncertain about their future. His story is a shining example of how targeted programmes can empower young people, helping them build confidence, develop essential skills, and set achievable goals for a successful future.

Ellis’ Journey with DurhamWorks – video transcript.pdf

If you think you’d benefit from DurhamWorks’ support, complete our get started form today!