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Good news! In recognition of the good practice and commitment to offering our young people a high standard of employability opportunities, the LASE Scheme has been accredited with the From Care2Work Quality Mark by the National Care Advisory Service.
Congratulations go to Heather Clarke, who is the LASE Scheme
Co-ordinator, and council departments and staff who support LASE and the young people taking part!
What is LASE?
The LASE Scheme (Looked After Supported Employment) commenced in January 2002 and has since developed into a recognised, viable work experience scheme offering fantastic personal growth opportunities for 'Looked After' young people aged between 16 and 19.
Referrals to the scheme come from the Leaving Care Team.
The scheme offers young people the opportunity to experience employment, but with that much-needed additional personal support. Every young person is given a work-place mentor who will supervise, support and encourage, when necessary. All young people completing components of the scheme are guaranteed quality references for future employers.
The scheme is unique to Bolton
The scheme is unique to Bolton because it encourages young people's participation by the payment of a training allowance, plus travel expenses. In addition, young people who live independly may receive a small payment towards living costs. Payment cannot usually be made for absences.
Many of the young participants have struggled to achieve in other areas of their life, so it is a credit to LASE that all the young people currently on scheme are involved in vocational training. Our hope is that both the work experience and training will equip these young people with the skills, confidence and self-discipline for future employment opportunities.
Originally, all placements were within Bolton Council. Most departments have responded to their 'Corporate Parenting' role by offering looked after young people various opportunities. They provide supportive, safe and caring placements which offer self-development and work-place satisfaction. Young people gain an overview of how these Council departments work and there are possibilities for accessing more permanent employment, in the future.
Limitations in the type of placement available within the Council have been addressed by developing links with local businesses and several good, reliable placements have been secured within the Bolton area.
Examples of these are:
Step Out in Style Hair Salon
Fun Days Nursery
SMK Building Services
Taurus Fitted Bedrooms
Who runs LASE?
Managed through the Corporate Parenting Team, there is a scheme co-ordinator who works to ensure both mentors and the young people are fully supported while in their placement
Placements can be organised to suit the individual needs of young people and vary from 2 -5 days per week and from one month to six months in duration.
The scheme, above all, offers looked after young people help in beginning their adult working life. It supports young people who, in the main, would for a variety of reasons struggle to cope with entering employment. In addition, it offers young people the opportunity not just to prove themselves, but also to gain confidence in their ability, meet new people and to make different friends and connections.
The LASE Scheme provides a unique opportunity for Looked After Young People to access new and positive experiences within a work place environment. For more information and access to the LASE Scheme Referral Forms, please contact:
Heather Clarke
Phone: 337326 or 07766726418
E-mail: heather.clarke@bolton.gov.uk
