Care leavers are 38% more likely to drop out of university than their
. Those who make it through the other end often find themselves standing at a cliffs edge with no support network to rely on as they try to navigate life after university. The Office for National Statistics estimates that almost one-third of British graduates move back in with their parents after graduation. Care-experienced graduates don’t have that option. They need to find the means to support themselves when it’s time to leave student halls. That’s where our Advantage Programme comes in; equipping them with the networks, skills, and confidence needed to compete on today’s graduate job market. Our programme aims to enable those young people transition from university into a career of their own choice.
DFF met Lola in March 2021; she not only secured her internship but she also benefitted from DFF’s tailor made workshops, insight sessions with corporate partners and additional work placements. Lola attended CV building sessions with Baringa Partners, who then extended an offer to her for a two-week placement with their finance department. With that experience under her belt, Lola went on to complete a one-week placement with Lloyds Bank.
DFF’s partners at The Crown Estate designed a bespoke work placement that allowed Lola to acquire the 300 working hours needed in order to equate to a full university module. Over a two-months period, Lola dived further into the working world learning about the skills required for finance:
Lola’s Line Managers Winta and Callum from the Crown Estate were pleased with her work ethic and enthusiasm to learn. However, with any placements, insight sessions or events organised by DFF, support is key and Winta ensured Lola was well taken care of:
As Covid-19 restrictions eased further, it meant that Lola was able to attend TCE’s offices two days per week; allowing her to build closer relationships with her co-workers and experience an office atmosphere.
Many care-experienced young people are unsure of where to turn to for help especially when they have been phased out of the care system. Over 2,000 young people in London alone leave care every year ill-equipped for the challenges that await them. They lack the skills, confidence and support to successfully manage their transition into adulthood and independence. DFF want to be there to provide the support and services for care-experienced young people need to succeed.
“It is hard, I need to go out and do it by myself without family support but Drive Forward have been there with that support and guidance and they help me know how to go about it. It can be so daunting doing this on your own.”
The Advantage Programme enabled Lola to access the networks, support, and training she needed to prepare her for a smooth transition from university into a meaningful career.
