A SCHEME launched to get more care leavers into work and training is calling on local businesses for support.

The Employability Project aims to give young people leaving residential care opportunities in further education, training and employment.

Hertfordshire County Council's children schools and families service pioneered the project 18 months ago but is looking for more employers and recruitment organisations that can offer care leavers work experience, training and jobs.

Project manager Aidan Moffat said: "Now we need to build on the work we have done in our first year, so that we can widen and improve the range of work opportunities available for young people leaving care over the next few years.

"Many employers have been very receptive and their support has been invaluable. We are keen to work with other companies, large and small, who could offer our young people work placements, training or the chance of a job."

The project, funded by the European Social Fund and Hertfordshire Connexions Service, also works with 15 to 19-year-olds in the county council's care to help them decide what careers they want to pursue and help them get the jobs they want.

It aims to give care leavers the support and guidance that most young people get from their parents, providing individual support to help them work out what they want to do with their lives and how to achieve it.

Care leavers can attend courses covering budgeting and benefits, housing and accommodation, health and leisure as part of the scheme.

County Councillor Jane Pitman, executive member for children's services, said: "Most young people who come into care have had poor starts in life, often because they have been abused, rejected or neglected by their birth parents.

"As their corporate parents, we want them to leave care with the same chances and choices as other young people, so we make a priority to give them the individual help they need to get onto the career ladder and lead fulfilling adult lives."

Any business or organisation which wants to get involved with the Employability Project should call Aidan Moffat on 01992 555485.