Continuing in Education and finding work

It's never too late to learn something new, gain qualifications, or work towards a different career. Whether you left education some time ago, had a break because of personal circumstances, or simply want to explore new opportunities, there is support available to help you take the next step.

The information in this section can help you find adult education courses, training opportunities, volunteering roles, employment support and other ways to build your skills and confidence. You can learn at your own pace and choose a path that works for you.

If you're unsure where to start, speak to your Personal Adviser. They can help you explore your options and identify any support you may be entitled to as a care leaver. Hampshire services can also provide careers advice, training information and support to help you achieve your goals.

You can browse the learning, training and employment opportunities available here:

Employment, Training and Learning

It's never too late to learn something new, gain qualifications, or work towards a different career. Whether you left education some time ago, had a break because of personal circumstances, or simply want to explore new opportunities, there is support available to help you take the next step.

The information in this section can help you find adult education courses, training opportunities, volunteering roles, employment support and other ways to build your skills and confidence. You can learn at your own pace and choose a path that works for you.

If you're unsure where to start, speak to your Personal Adviser. They can help you explore your options and identify any support you may be entitled to as a care leaver. Hampshire services can also provide careers advice, training information and support to help you achieve your goals.

You can browse the learning, training and employment opportunities available here:

Employment, Training and Learning

Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time and take between one to four years to complete.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training for young people and adults 16 and over.

On-the-job, you will gain key skills like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
Off-the-job, you will spend time working towards a recognised apprenticeship framework

To do an apprenticeship you must

be at least 16 years old,
live in England
not be in full-time education

There are lots of apprenticeships available, at different levels and in different industries.

You will be paid, and learn "on the job" as well as spending some time each week at college, or with another learning or training provider, studying towards your qualification. Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs) to Level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree)

How to apply for an apprenticeship.

Hampshire County Council provides apprenticeships that could help you work towards a professional and rewarding career. Search Hampshire County Council's jobs and apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time and take between one to four years to complete.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training for young people and adults 16 and over.

On-the-job, you will gain key skills like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
Off-the-job, you will spend time working towards a recognised apprenticeship framework

To do an apprenticeship you must

be at least 16 years old,
live in England
not be in full-time education

There are lots of apprenticeships available, at different levels and in different industries.

You will be paid, and learn "on the job" as well as spending some time each week at college, or with another learning or training provider, studying towards your qualification. Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs) to Level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree)

How to apply for an apprenticeship.

Hampshire County Council provides apprenticeships that could help you work towards a professional and rewarding career. Search Hampshire County Council's jobs and apprenticeships.

Hampshire Achieves run several adult learning courses.

Courses are free of charge for Hampshire residents aged 19+ subject to Department of Education eligibility criteria.

The Skills Network offer a range of fully funded courses in areas such as Health Social Care, Childcare and Education, Digital, Business Leadership and Management, Personal Development and Employability and Health & Safety.

Free short courses from the Open University – over 900 free courses covering money/education and development, health, history, languages, science, digital and computing.

Free courses for jobs from the the Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE) offered to any adult aged over 19 who does not already have a Level 3 qualification or higher, can access hundreds of fully-funded Level 3 courses.

Hampshire Achieves run several adult learning courses.

Courses are free of charge for Hampshire residents aged 19+ subject to Department of Education eligibility criteria.

The Skills Network offer a range of fully funded courses in areas such as Health Social Care, Childcare and Education, Digital, Business Leadership and Management, Personal Development and Employability and Health & Safety.

Free short courses from the Open University – over 900 free courses covering money/education and development, health, history, languages, science, digital and computing.

Free courses for jobs from the the Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE) offered to any adult aged over 19 who does not already have a Level 3 qualification or higher, can access hundreds of fully-funded Level 3 courses.

Grants and bursaries for parents wishes to return to education

Open University Study Costs Funding and Support – this is available to help students who need extra financial support for their study costs. This could include internet access, a laptop, childcare and stationery. This is usually a reimbursement of costs so receipts will need to be provided as part of the application.

You can find information about grants and bursaries for adult learners here.

For more ideas on how to get back into learning please see our Learning Opportunities page.

Grants and bursaries for parents wishes to return to education

Open University Study Costs Funding and Support – this is available to help students who need extra financial support for their study costs. This could include internet access, a laptop, childcare and stationery. This is usually a reimbursement of costs so receipts will need to be provided as part of the application.

You can find information about grants and bursaries for adult learners here.

For more ideas on how to get back into learning please see our Learning Opportunities page.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation offer grants of up to £1,000 for young people who are 18 – 25 and have been in care with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council or Portsmouth City Council. Find their grant application form and a guide to help you complete it.

The Evelyn Mace Scholarship:

The Evelyn Mace Scholarship is for those in care or care leavers that have been in the care of Hampshire County Council. The fund is usually awarded to young people who are pursuing arts or drama, such as drama courses, music lessons or higher education that involves drama or the arts.

Unite Foundation

With the Unite Foundation scholarship, you’ll have accommodation and bills covered for up to 3 years at university. That includes all through the holidays too, so you don’t have to wonder where to go during Christmas or summer. You can even stay the summer after you graduate to plan your next move. The team will help you settle in, keep in touch and offer opportunities for employment and enjoyment.

Buttle UK

Rees Foundation.

Rees Foundation are keen to support grant applications from care experienced adults specifically to help with careers development and Higher Education where no other funding sources are available. They may help you with incidental costs whilst attending an education or training course, dependent on circumstances. They include (but are not limited to); equipment, materials and travel.

The Sutton Trust

The Sutton Trust support young people from less advantaged backgrounds (including young people who are care experienced) to access leading universities and careers. They run engaging programmes that give students practical advice and leave them feeling inspired and more confident about their future.

Their programmes are completely free to attend. All costs – including travel, accommodation, food and activities – are paid for by the Trust and our partners.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation offer grants of up to £1,000 for young people who are 18 – 25 and have been in care with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council or Portsmouth City Council. Find their grant application form and a guide to help you complete it.

The Evelyn Mace Scholarship:

The Evelyn Mace Scholarship is for those in care or care leavers that have been in the care of Hampshire County Council. The fund is usually awarded to young people who are pursuing arts or drama, such as drama courses, music lessons or higher education that involves drama or the arts.

Unite Foundation

With the Unite Foundation scholarship, you’ll have accommodation and bills covered for up to 3 years at university. That includes all through the holidays too, so you don’t have to wonder where to go during Christmas or summer. You can even stay the summer after you graduate to plan your next move. The team will help you settle in, keep in touch and offer opportunities for employment and enjoyment.

Buttle UK

Rees Foundation.

Rees Foundation are keen to support grant applications from care experienced adults specifically to help with careers development and Higher Education where no other funding sources are available. They may help you with incidental costs whilst attending an education or training course, dependent on circumstances. They include (but are not limited to); equipment, materials and travel.

The Sutton Trust

The Sutton Trust support young people from less advantaged backgrounds (including young people who are care experienced) to access leading universities and careers. They run engaging programmes that give students practical advice and leave them feeling inspired and more confident about their future.

Their programmes are completely free to attend. All costs – including travel, accommodation, food and activities – are paid for by the Trust and our partners.

If you decide to do an undergraduate degree at 25 or older, you can still access the same student finance available to other students and may be able to receive additional support from universities and other organisations. Support available will depend on your individual circumstances and the university you choose to attend.

Student Finance

If you go to university, you may be able to apply for:

A Tuition Fee Loan to cover the cost of your course.
A Maintenance Loan to help with living costs such as accommodation, food and study materials.
Additional finance depending on your personal circumstances.

For more information, visit Student Finance England.

Support from Universities

Many universities offer extra support for students with care experience, which may include:

Dedicated support staff.
Care experienced student bursaries or grants.
Help with accommodation during university holidays.
Advice and support with wellbeing and student life.

Support varies between universities, so it is important to check what is available before you apply.

Additional Sources of Help

You may also be able to access:

University hardship funds.
Charitable grants to help with education costs.
Financial support from colleges, training providers or other organisations.

Helpful Tips

Let UCAS know about your care experience when applying.
Contact the university's care experienced student adviser to find out what support is available.
Use the Propel website to compare support offered by different universities.

If you decide to do an undergraduate degree at 25 or older, you can still access the same student finance available to other students and may be able to receive additional support from universities and other organisations. Support available will depend on your individual circumstances and the university you choose to attend.

Student Finance

If you go to university, you may be able to apply for:

A Tuition Fee Loan to cover the cost of your course.
A Maintenance Loan to help with living costs such as accommodation, food and study materials.
Additional finance depending on your personal circumstances.

For more information, visit Student Finance England.

Support from Universities

Many universities offer extra support for students with care experience, which may include:

Dedicated support staff.
Care experienced student bursaries or grants.
Help with accommodation during university holidays.
Advice and support with wellbeing and student life.

Support varies between universities, so it is important to check what is available before you apply.

Additional Sources of Help

You may also be able to access:

University hardship funds.
Charitable grants to help with education costs.
Financial support from colleges, training providers or other organisations.

Helpful Tips

Let UCAS know about your care experience when applying.
Contact the university's care experienced student adviser to find out what support is available.
Use the Propel website to compare support offered by different universities.

Our careers website has been developed to support young people with making career choices. Here you can find careers information and activities to help you with your future planning, and information, advice and activities to help improve your employability skills.

Hampshire Careers Service provides young people with careers advice, work experience, CV support and support with careers interviews.

The service offers:

Individual career interviews with a qualified career adviser, providing students with a safe and impartial framework for exploring options for their future, setting goals and defining career pathways
A personalised individual career action plan in a format appropriate to the needs of the student
With agreement, a provision for parents or carers to join the interview and receive structured feedback
Specialist advice and guidance for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Support and attendance at parent evenings, result days and other events
Group career discussions involving generic career information and signposting
A range of work-related learning and enterprise activities, including employer engagement
Health and safety checks for work experience placements

Hampshire Futures has extensive links with employers, training providers and Higher Education institutions and a good knowledge of the local labour market. It works with you to develop a package of services specific to your needs.

All advisors are qualified to a minimum of post graduate Level 6 and receive regular CPD to keep up-to-date with developments in education, training and employment.

You can contact the service at: careers.service@hants.gov.uk

Our careers website has been developed to support young people with making career choices. Here you can find careers information and activities to help you with your future planning, and information, advice and activities to help improve your employability skills.

Hampshire Careers Service provides young people with careers advice, work experience, CV support and support with careers interviews.

The service offers:

Individual career interviews with a qualified career adviser, providing students with a safe and impartial framework for exploring options for their future, setting goals and defining career pathways
A personalised individual career action plan in a format appropriate to the needs of the student
With agreement, a provision for parents or carers to join the interview and receive structured feedback
Specialist advice and guidance for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Support and attendance at parent evenings, result days and other events
Group career discussions involving generic career information and signposting
A range of work-related learning and enterprise activities, including employer engagement
Health and safety checks for work experience placements

Hampshire Futures has extensive links with employers, training providers and Higher Education institutions and a good knowledge of the local labour market. It works with you to develop a package of services specific to your needs.

All advisors are qualified to a minimum of post graduate Level 6 and receive regular CPD to keep up-to-date with developments in education, training and employment.

You can contact the service at: careers.service@hants.gov.uk

There are key skills that you need to be able to get a job and are useful when you are working.

These include:

Communication skills

Being able to explain what you mean in a clear and concise way, either in writing or when you speak. To listen to other people, and to act upon information or instructions that they give you.

Problem solving skills

Being able to understand a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts and finding a solution to it.

Using your initiative

Having new ideas of your own that can be made into a reality. Being motivated- showing a commitment to doing things yourself and not waiting to be told to do things.

Organisational skills

Being able to plan work to meet deadlines and targets. Sometimes this might mean working under pressure. Keeping an eye on your progress to ensure you are going to be able to meet a deadline.

Team working

Working well with people who have different professional backgrounds and expertise to accomplish a task or goal.

Resilience

Being able to learn from a difficult situation or a mistake you made, for the benefit of both you and your employer.

Numeracy

Being able to understand numbers and be confident in using them in everyday or work situations.

Valuing diversity and difference

Being able to understand and be considerate of the different needs of different people.

Negotiation skills

Being able to understand people’s feelings and express your own in a clear way so that others understand your point of view and together you can agree a way forward that is good for both of you.

These key skills often appear in a person specification, which accompanies a job description. These skills are those that the employer believes will help the person carry out their role to the best of their ability.

The Hampshire Futures Careers Service, which is part of Hampshire County Council's Children's Services department, offers a range of programmes to help you boost your employability skills.

The National Careers Service also provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.

The Personal Progress qualifications are for young people or adults with learning difficulties. There are no entry requirements.

There are key skills that you need to be able to get a job and are useful when you are working.

These include:

Communication skills

Being able to explain what you mean in a clear and concise way, either in writing or when you speak. To listen to other people, and to act upon information or instructions that they give you.

Problem solving skills

Being able to understand a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts and finding a solution to it.

Using your initiative

Having new ideas of your own that can be made into a reality. Being motivated- showing a commitment to doing things yourself and not waiting to be told to do things.

Organisational skills

Being able to plan work to meet deadlines and targets. Sometimes this might mean working under pressure. Keeping an eye on your progress to ensure you are going to be able to meet a deadline.

Team working

Working well with people who have different professional backgrounds and expertise to accomplish a task or goal.

Resilience

Being able to learn from a difficult situation or a mistake you made, for the benefit of both you and your employer.

Numeracy

Being able to understand numbers and be confident in using them in everyday or work situations.

Valuing diversity and difference

Being able to understand and be considerate of the different needs of different people.

Negotiation skills

Being able to understand people’s feelings and express your own in a clear way so that others understand your point of view and together you can agree a way forward that is good for both of you.

These key skills often appear in a person specification, which accompanies a job description. These skills are those that the employer believes will help the person carry out their role to the best of their ability.

The Hampshire Futures Careers Service, which is part of Hampshire County Council's Children's Services department, offers a range of programmes to help you boost your employability skills.

The National Careers Service also provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.

The Personal Progress qualifications are for young people or adults with learning difficulties. There are no entry requirements.

The International Youth Foundation has developed a mobile-optimised course to support young people ages 16 to 24 in developing work readiness skills such as time management, problem-solving, and self-confidence. In the development of this course, they worked with young people from around the world to create a learning platform that is fun and engaging. You can register here to access this.

Normally when you apply for a job you will need to complete an application form and/or send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Covering letter (sometimes called a Cover letter).

You can find advice on completing application forms from the National Careers Service.

Filling in an application form

Many employers prefer application forms to CVs. Forms are easier to compare because they follow the same format. You will be asked to complete a paper application form or an online application form.

On Line application forms

If the form is online, it is a good idea to write a draft of your application first – in a word processing package like Word – and save it to your computer. This way you’ll be able to run a spell check before you copy the information into the online system. It also means you’ll have a back-up if there’s a problem with the form.

Paper application forms

If you’re filling in a form by hand, write as neatly as you can in black ink. Use block capital letters if the form asks you to.

TOP TIPS: checking your application form

Get it right — whether your form is online or on paper you should:

read it over a few times to check for spelling and grammatical errors – these are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected
ask someone else to proof read it and check it for you
check you’ve filled in all the boxes you need to. If you leave an empty box the employer might think your form is incomplete. If a box isn’t relevant, put ‘N/A’ (not applicable) in the space provided
photocopy or print out the finished form, so that you have a record of what you’ve written. It will be useful to remind yourself if you get an interview
take note of the closing date and send your application form to arrive in good time.

Normally when you apply for a job you will need to complete an application form and/or send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Covering letter (sometimes called a Cover letter).

You can find advice on completing application forms from the National Careers Service.

Filling in an application form

Many employers prefer application forms to CVs. Forms are easier to compare because they follow the same format. You will be asked to complete a paper application form or an online application form.

On Line application forms

If the form is online, it is a good idea to write a draft of your application first – in a word processing package like Word – and save it to your computer. This way you’ll be able to run a spell check before you copy the information into the online system. It also means you’ll have a back-up if there’s a problem with the form.

Paper application forms

If you’re filling in a form by hand, write as neatly as you can in black ink. Use block capital letters if the form asks you to.

TOP TIPS: checking your application form

Get it right — whether your form is online or on paper you should:

read it over a few times to check for spelling and grammatical errors – these are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected
ask someone else to proof read it and check it for you
check you’ve filled in all the boxes you need to. If you leave an empty box the employer might think your form is incomplete. If a box isn’t relevant, put ‘N/A’ (not applicable) in the space provided
photocopy or print out the finished form, so that you have a record of what you’ve written. It will be useful to remind yourself if you get an interview
take note of the closing date and send your application form to arrive in good time.

Popular job boards include:

You can sign up to these sites and receive email alerts when an organisation publishes a new job vacancy so you are always the first to know about a new job opportunity.

Magazines, journals and newspapers advertise jobs found in larger newsagents and libraries. Look out for job vacancies in your local newspaper.

Libraries offer internet access which would help with your job search if you do not have access to the internet at home. Local libraries may also run careers events and offer help with job hunting.

Popular job boards include:

You can sign up to these sites and receive email alerts when an organisation publishes a new job vacancy so you are always the first to know about a new job opportunity.

Magazines, journals and newspapers advertise jobs found in larger newsagents and libraries. Look out for job vacancies in your local newspaper.

Libraries offer internet access which would help with your job search if you do not have access to the internet at home. Local libraries may also run careers events and offer help with job hunting.

National Careers Service

National Careers Service know you can feel overwhelmed or confused about how to write a CV, especially if you do not have a lot of work experience.

They have careers advisers that can help you work out what your CV should say and get you on the path to your dream career.

Gov.uk - Job Help

Job Help has advice to improve your CV and job applications, and to help you do well in interviews.

Prospects.ac.uk

Prospects knows CVs are tricky to get right and the success of a job application often hinges on your cover letter. If you're in need of expert CV and cover letter advice then they can help. Discover how to write them, mistakes to avoid and a variety of CV and cover letter examples to help you target your application to the company.

My World of Work

My World of Work can help you create a standout CV. They'll guide you through one step at a time, with hints and tips from their expert careers advisers.

National Careers Service

National Careers Service know you can feel overwhelmed or confused about how to write a CV, especially if you do not have a lot of work experience.

They have careers advisers that can help you work out what your CV should say and get you on the path to your dream career.

Gov.uk - Job Help

Job Help has advice to improve your CV and job applications, and to help you do well in interviews.

Prospects.ac.uk

Prospects knows CVs are tricky to get right and the success of a job application often hinges on your cover letter. If you're in need of expert CV and cover letter advice then they can help. Discover how to write them, mistakes to avoid and a variety of CV and cover letter examples to help you target your application to the company.

My World of Work

My World of Work can help you create a standout CV. They'll guide you through one step at a time, with hints and tips from their expert careers advisers.

Connect to Work

Connect to Work is a government-funded employment programme designed to support people in England and Wales who have a disability, long term health condition, or other barriers that make it harder to find or stay in work.

Who Connect to Work helps

Connect to Work is for you if:
• You are not currently working and need support to move into employment.
• You have a disability or health condition that makes job seeking more difficult.
• You are in work but struggling, and at risk of leaving your job due to health related or personal challenges.

What Support You Can Get

Connect to Work brings together employment, health, and skills support to help you find and keep meaningful, paid work. This includes:

Personalised, one to one employment support

A dedicated Employment Specialist works with you to understand your strengths, goals, and support needs. They help you identify suitable job options and guide you through every step.

Fast, tailored job searching

The focus is on quickly finding job opportunities that match your preferences, skills, and work aspirations.

Help to stay in work

If you are already employed but struggling, the programme can work with you and your employer to put the right support in place so you can keep your job. About one in six participants receive this type of in work support.

How to sign up

Fill in a simple form to sign up

Three different organisations have been commissioned to form Connect to Work; Shaw Trust, Seetec and Palladium. When you complete the above form, we will decide which organisation is best suited to be able to meet your individual needs. That organisation will then get in contact with you. If they cannot help you right away, they will let you know.

Searching for a job

Look on adverts and application forms for the “disability confident” symbol

This means the employer is committed to employing people with disabilities and you are guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic conditions for the job.

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. You can apply for a grant to help pay for practical support with your work

support with managing your mental health at work

money to pay for communication support at job interview as well as specialist equipment/assistive software, BSL interpreter /job coach or travel buddy.

Cost of travelling to work if you are unable to travel on public transport.

Adaptations to your vehicle to help you get to work and physical changes to your workplace.

If you can get Access to Work grant, this will not affect any other benefits you get and you will not have to pay it back. You or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and then claim back later.

How to apply for this grant

Check your eligibility and then apply for an Access to Work grant

For mental health support, including a tailored plan to help you get or stay in work.

Check your eligibility and then apply directly to Able Futures or Maximus

Note: if you have had mental health support through Access to Work before, you cannot apply again.

Help applying for and interviewing for a job

Visit the National Careers Service for advice on how to find, apply for and interview for a job.

JobHelp offers support creating or improving your CV, how to complete application forms and better interview techniques. Job Help site also provides information on which sectors are hiring.

Hampshire County Council offers many employment opportunities, which can be found through its dedicated jobs website.