Jess, 18, changes her life (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Jess, 18, changes her life

11:10am Sunday 12th July 2009

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A YOUNG Bridgwater carer has overcome the stigma attached to leaving the profession and changed her life.

Jess Clark, 18, now has ambitions to work in the motor industry after ditching her job in the care industry.

Somerset County Council says young people who leave care traditionally find it much harder than other to secure alternative employment.

The authority is running a pilot work placement scheme to combat the issue which sees participants who have left care spend three weeks in different industries.

Jess completed a seven-day placement administration at the Somerset Skills and Learning office in Bridgwater.

During her stint she was praised for her timekeeping, professional appearance and good attitude to work.

She said: “The placement changed my career choice and helped to me decide exactly what I want to do.”

Jess and other care leavers from Somerset who have also completed similar placements were presented with certificates and bursaries to mark their achievements.

Somerset County Council cabinet member for community, Christine Lawrence, said: “While figures for school leavers not in employment, education or training in Somerset are among the best in the country, those who are leaving care need extra support to make a good start in life.

“The placements give young people a real sense of purpose and a feeling of what they can achieve at work or in training.”

For more information e-mail Kat Hollocombe at khollocombe@somerset.gov.uk

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