Marvin OnumonuNorth East Lincolnshire Council has launched the Family Enterprise programme, a new employment scheme for care leavers.
The scheme aims to help young people move out of care and into work.
It follows a pilot run over the summer and is set to start its first full cohort in January 2026.
The programme targets care leavers who often face barriers to employment, including a lack of support networks and stable role models.
National research found 41% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 were not in education, employment or training.
Care leavers were also more likely to end up in youth custody and at risk of exploitation, affecting their long-term health.
Young people helped shape the programme, which will run as an 8 to 12-week course delivered by CPO, a Grimsby-based training provider.
Activities include skills assessments, confidence-building, accredited training and wellbeing support.
On completion, participants will be linked with local employers for work experience, voluntary roles or apprenticeships.
North East Lincolnshire has more than 150 Foster Friendly businesses and a network of partners.
The council is asking local employers to support the scheme by offering opportunities to help care leavers start work.
Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said: “This programme is a vital step forward in helping care leavers access meaningful employment opportunities.
“By working closely with local businesses and partners, we are creating pathways that support young people into work, training or further education.”
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our care leavers have so much potential, and this programme is about giving them the chance to thrive.
“It has been shaped with their voices at the heart, and I hope our community will come together to support them.
“When young people feel seen, heard and supported, the outcomes can be life changing.”
