Educational Excellence for Joseph
28/09/2015
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is leading the way in terms of employment and educational achievement of young care leavers.
Out of the 47 young care leavers aged 19 in the Southern area last month, 43 are currently in education, training or employment which at 91% is well above the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s target of 72%.
The Trust’s Employability Scheme works with young care leavers aged 16 upwards to help them to find the education, training and employment opportunities that best match their interests and skills. Careers guidance, personal development and life skills courses are also provided to help prepare participants for working life.
21 year old Joseph Brennan from Derrynoose is exceling in his educational pathway as he begins a Master’s degree in Law at University College Dublin.
Earlier this year Joseph graduated with a degree in History, a topic he has had an interest in from a young age but has now decided to pursue a career in Law due to exciting job prospects. The determined young man has appreciated the support he has received from the 16 Plus team and has benefited from a number of courses and workshops.
“In recent years I have made the most of the schemes and courses available to me for example, during the Employability Skills Workshop and Work Placement, I gained practical skills and employability experience, necessary for my future, and for the job market”.
Congratulating Joseph, Paul Morgan, Director of Children and Young People’s Services for the Southern Trust explains: “Moving into adulthood is a challenging experience for all young people and for young people in care there can be additional pressures.
“We are committed to improving future outcomes for all of our young people, we work closely with each of them to help ensure they reach their full potential, whether it is through education, training or employment.
“We are very proud of Joseph and all he has achieved, he is a great inspiration to other young people and we wish him all the very best for his studies and future career”.
More help and support for young care leavers is available on www.yourlifeaftercare.com or http://www.aboutmeni.com/.
