MAJOR employers have helped to launch a scheme aimed at ensuring young people in care in York can get the support they need to help prepare for the world of work.

The Bright Futures programme has been set up by York Cares, the employee volunteering charity, and City of York Council children’s rights and advocacy service, to help young care leavers develop the practical skills, knowledge and attributes that they need to secure employment.

It will expand on York Cares’ existing Starting Blocks programme, which provides supported work experience opportunities, and develop Takeover, trialled by the council in 2014 to provide full-day and half-day work experience opportunities.

Bringing these two programmes together will mean the care leavers have access to more opportunities to engage with employers across a broader range of sectors, helping them to make choices for the future and improving their confidence, self-esteem and aspirations.

Employers who backed the launch included Network Rail, John Lewis, York St John University, First UK Bus, University of York, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York Sport Village, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

York Marriott Hotel has been a York Cares member since 2008 and supported the launch of its Starting Blocks programme.

The hotel has supported more than 20 young care leavers with personalised work experience and mentor support and was one of the first companies to receive the From Care2Work Quality Mark.

Sally Ryan, multi-property director of human resources at York Marriott, said: “We want to give young people who have had a difficult start in life the stepping stone they need that could help launch them into the world of work. These are people who are often overlooked by employers because they might not have the qualifications or the skills expected.”

Cllr Jenny Brooks, the council's executive member for education, children and young people, said: “Research shows that young people who have multiple encounters with business while at school are significantly less likely to be NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and earn, on average, 18 per cent more than peers who haven't."

Holly Hennell, acting manager at York Cares, said: “The response from employers has already been fantastic with many offering taster days, behind-the-scenes visits and placements.”