Skip to content
ADVERTISEMENT
News

Devon County Council runs initiative to boost employment for care-experienced young people

The initiative targeted care-experienced young people and those aged 18 to 25 who were unemployed and not in education or training. 

2 min read
Share
Devon County Council runs initiative to boost employment for care-experienced young people
ADVERTISEMENT

Devon County Council (DCC) SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently ran an employability skills session at Pinbrook Road Household Waste Recycling Centre in Exeter. 

The initiative targeted care-experienced young people and those aged 18 to 25 who were unemployed and not in education or training. 

SUEZ delivered practical activities including site tours and mock interviews. 

Participants were encouraged to apply for live vacancies.

The event formed part of a series supporting care leavers and long-term unemployed people across Devon. 

ADVERTISEMENT

SUEZ plans further placements, career events and site tours through 2026. 

The company’s involvement links to the national Care Leaver Covenant under the Government’s Keep on Caring policy, which aims to help care leavers secure employment. 

SUEZ said its focus is on social mobility and inclusive recruitment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Emily Bussey, recruitment manager for social mobility and inclusion at SUEZ, said: “It was a real pleasure to work with the group, showcasing what SUEZ has to offer and helping them consider career paths they may not have thought about before. 

“By collaborating with DWP, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that will have a lasting impact and potentially lead to employment.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Waste Services at Devon County Council, said: “Corporate parenting is rightly a high priority for Devon County Council, and I’m delighted that through our recycling centres and our partnership with SUEZ we are engaging with care leavers and other young people to offer meaningful employment opportunities.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Social Services at Devon County Council, said: “Supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training is vital. 

“By giving them the confidence, skills and encouragement they need, we help remove barriers and open up opportunities that can shape their future.

“When organisations like SUEZ and Devon County Council work together to provide practical experience and positive guidance, it makes a real difference to the lives of those who need it most.”

Jefferies added: “We are keen to hear from other businesses interested in working together to develop work experience, apprenticeships and ring‑fenced roles, and to support both employers and care‑experienced young people as they begin their employment journeys together.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Related