Devon County Council has launched a new programme has been launched to improve career opportunities for young people in care.

Devon County Council and Exeter College are working to develop the PACE (Positive About Care Experienced) programme to create a business network working with young people who are, or have been, in the care system.

The scheme is designed to help employers feel confident in their ability to support care experienced young people and to commit to working with the County Council and Exeter College to remove barriers that they might face.

Evidence gathered by Devon County Council suggests that those in the care system are facing significant challenges in finding suitable employment and training across the county.

Employers who sign up to PACE will be offered regular training days throughout the year, delivered by a team of County Council and Exeter College staff. The training covers a wide range of subjects including recruitment, inclusive employment, mentoring, apprenticeships and grants and funding.

For more information, email hayleylyon@exe-coll.ac.uk or debbie.stafford@devon.gov.uk