New partnership between CareTech and EY Foundation offers bright future for care leavers

Only 6% of young people in care go on to further education and care leavers are three times as likely as other young people to end up without employment or do not go into further education (NEET). Tackling the barriers facing this group of young people is a critical priority for the CareTech Foundation.

The partnership with EY Foundation will initially provide 16-19 year olds with the core employability skills and confidence to enable them to transition successfully from school to work in the care sector or into further education. Further programmes will also be developed specifically with the intention of helping those in care move into work or further education.

The initial programmes will provide young people with intensive employability skills training and quality paid work experience within the care sector. They will each also receive one to one mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to take steps to thrive in the workplace. The CareTech Foundation’s partnership with the EY Foundation is the first programme of its kind with a specific focus on the care sector.

The programme is also intended to nurture skills development within the wider care sector. CareTech employees will be able to volunteer as mentors for the programme participants, guided by EY Foundation expertise and support. The programme will also open the door to further skills development for young people starting a career in the care sector.

Jonathan Freeman, CEO of the CareTech Foundation, said:

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for us and for the care sector. The evidence concerning the life chances of young people leaving the care system is profoundly worrying and the need for action is clear.

“Together, through this collaboration our two foundations are determined to boost the social mobility prospects of some of the most disadvantaged young people and at the same time tackle the massive skills shortage in the social care sector”.

EY Foundation Chief Executive Maryanne Matthews said:

“Too many young people in care are missing out on the opportunities to fulfil their potential.  We hope this exciting new partnership with Caretech will begin to change that. By supporting young people on our programmes, we believe they will develop the confidence, employability skills and networks to thrive in the workplace and have the kind of futures they aspire to.”

About the CareTech Foundation: Established in 2017, the CareTech Charitable Foundation is an independent grant-making corporate foundation registered with the Charity Commission. Funded and founded by CareTech Holdings PLC, the Foundation has an independent Board of trustees responsible for delivering its Charitable Objects.

The Foundation has ambitious and clear-sighted objectives to deliver meaningful impact to communities in the UK and overseas about which the staff of CareTech PLC and its service users feel proud and strongly engaged, providing a unique contribution to the charitable marketplace consistent with CareTech PLC’s values and approach.

About EY Foundation: An independent UK charity that works directly with young people who face barriers to employment, employers and social entrepreneurs in the UK to create or support pathways to employment, enterprise or education. Founded by EY, the professional services firm, on 1 July 2014, the charity builds and delivers programmes, works with third parties and volunteers and raises funds to support its work with young people.  

The EY Foundation is a charitable company registered in England and Wales and Scotland with registered charity number 1157154 and SCO45076. It is also a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.