The achievements of Islington care leavers were recognised this week in an evening of celebration.
The annual Career Start event congratulated the borough's young care leavers on their successes in completing apprenticeships and gaining work experience and permanent employment.
Through Career Start - a scheme run by Islington Council - over 146 care leavers have been able to access opportunities, including jobs ranging from child care to hair dressing and brick laying.
Career Start works with several departments in Islington Council, along with the council's contractors and local businesses to identify potential positions for care leavers. Help in completing applications and interview preparation advice is offered, along with trips to organisations such as the BBC World Service Trust to give young people an insight into different working environments.
Councillor Terry Stacy, leader of Islington Council, thanked the employers who have provided opportunities for the young people. Organisations includ New River Green Children's Centre, the National Housing Federation, Islington Council's registrar's office and NHS Islington.
Cllr Stacy said:
"Through Career Start, Islington Council is able to offer young people in and leaving care, important support in getting into employment - just as a family member might normally do.
"The success of Career Start depends largely on our partners and local businesses who take part in the scheme, so I was pleased to be able to acknowledge their support.
"Listening to the experiences of the young people and the progress they've made in taking their first steps into the world of work - whether it be through a one week work experience stint or gaining full time employment - was really inspiring. Career Start is continuing to grow and I'm sure will help hundreds of other young care leavers in Islington in the future."
Young people involved in Career Start put together performances for guests and spoke about the positive differences Career Start has made to their lives. They were presented with certificates by Mayor of Islington, Cllr Anna Berent and Chief Executive of Islington Council, John Foster.
Career Start has been running since October 2005. To date, the scheme has been extremely successful with over 260 opportunities offered by the council's departments, partners and contractors.
Debora Tesfu, 23, an Islington care leaver, has accessed a number of Career Start opportunities since 2007, culminating in organising and hosting this year's event, held at the Lilian Baylis Theatre. She said:
"Organising tonight has been my biggest achievement and I am really grateful that Career Start has given me the chance to shine. Career Start for me is hope, the light at the end of the tunnel, inspiration, future, career and success."
Manager of Career Start, Nikki Ralph, said:
"The atmosphere at this year's event was fantastic and feedback has shown that the event was a real success.
"The annual celebration is a chance to say public congratulations to young people for all that they have achieved through the scheme. I am immensely proud of each of them and am constantly inspired by them. It is also a crucial opportunity to say thank you to employers for their support, without which the scheme would not exist.
"I am proud to work for a council that believes so strongly in providing the best opportunities for its looked after children and care leavers."
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 18 March 2010