Bury Council connects care leavers with local businesses for career opportunities

Young care leavers in Bury are invited to a "Meet the Manager" event on Tuesday 15 April at the Fusilier Museum from 12pm to 2pm.

This event connects them with local employers and training providers offering job opportunities and skills training across sectors like catering, retail, property, public sector, and professional services.

The event is part of Bury Council's Next Chapter service, which provides comprehensive careers support including help with CVs, interview advice, and opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships, and employment.

So far, the service has successfully placed 22 young people in employment, education, or training and continues to support them once they start work or college.

One successful candidate recently secured a role with Bruntwood after attending an apprenticeship day organised by Next Chapter and Connexions services. He said: “I am really enjoying it so far – the people are really helpful and there are great benefits." His long-term ambition is to learn everything about the property industry, and he sees plenty of opportunities to progress within Bruntwood.

Another participating employer, McDonald's, offers flexible opportunities and has recently promoted a former care leaver successfully engaged by the scheme. People Manager Donna Watts said: "We offer contracts based on availability, and provide work trials and taster sessions so people can see what the job involves."

She highlighted the many progression opportunities available at McDonalds and added that the experience gained at there can also help individuals move on to other roles, citing examples of former employees becoming air stewards, police officers, and firefighters.

Bury Council also offers exclusive apprenticeships for care-experienced young people. The Adult Learning Centre has successfully employed two apprentices in administrative roles following interviews and work trials.

Alison Brooke, Adult Learning Centre and Resource Manager, praised the programme, saying: “Both our apprentices are doing really well so far, and I would definitely recommend this programme to other departments. It is great for our service because we are all about engaging people and offering them opportunities.”

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

"Events like 'Meet the Manager' are crucial in connecting care-experienced young people with local employers and training providers, helping them build fulfilling careers and futures. I am proud of the progress we've made so far and look forward to continuing our support for our talented care leavers."

To find out more about the Meet the Manager, or If you are a business owner and are interested in working with us to offer opportunities to care experienced young people, please email Chris Howarth at c.howarth@bury.gov.uk or call 07356 134674.  

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 April 2025.