Coventry Virtual School's Next Steps Mentor Review

It was actually the insight programme, it was a new programme that was run for 16-19 year old's, introducing them to e.On, Careers Inspiration Week 19th - 23rd August 2019. I attended to support the LAC and Care Leaver students that were invited, i am the Post 16 lead for Coventry Virtual School and the week was arranged in partnership with e.On, Through Care and Coventry Virtual School.

We had 3 young people who took part and it was great to see how they developed over the week and grew in confidence, especially as all the young people had not met each other before. Overall there was 13 young people, but just 3 who were LAC/CL's. All our 3 students commented on how much they had learnt about the energy business, and how, going forward, they would consider a career in the sector.

The week was well thought out and encouraged team skills, individuals to explore other options and the the group task was fantastic - it was well supported by other e.On staff and encouraged all the students to 'think' using a business approach. Ellie Long was out lead and main contact at e.On and she proved to be an excellent communicator with all involved, especially the students and the DfE visitors.

It was such a successful week that we will be working with Ellie to develop a programme for our Y9 and Y10 LACs. A huge thanks to all involved.

As already stated the whole week was very well structured and pitched just right for the age group.

It was clear to see the progress the whole group made over the week. They started off quiet and unsure but soon built relationships with each other and the adults involved. The sense of the 'team' approach by the end of the week was highly visible and the young people all commented on how much they had learnt. Therefore i would say it was beyond successful.

This week was about our Coventry LAC and Care Leavers rather than me, however being involved has also supported me to gain a better understanding of e.On what they offer to customers and also their career options. This will aid me with my work advising young people in care. Coventry City Council is fully committed to it's staff by mainly building links to the private sector with a view to offering more and better opportunities to those who have been in Care.

this was not applicable to me personally, however it was evident that the young people involved with the week most certainly gained a huge understanding.

As a professional working with Education and Children's Services for Coventry it allowed me to gain a better understanding as to what e.On do and offer, employment/career wise, and this will enable me to talk to other LAC and Care Leavers about possible opportunistic. Plus Ellie Long and I are now looking to arrange/ develop a similar programme for our LACs in Y9 and Y10.

N/A as i am already employed - i was there to support the young people not gain career paths for myself!

N/A as my expenses etc. are covered by my employer - Coventry City Council. However our young people involved did have their expenses covered, where applicable.

For me, within my role, this was an excellent opportunity for this and as stated previously we will continue to work in partnership with e.On for the benefit of the young people in Coventry who are in Care so that they know all about a big local employer and all the possible opportunities within the energy sector. The week has allowed us to build strong foundations for future joint ventures.

It was great to meet other e.On staff and learn about their roles, especially the CEO. However the main link/ lead was Ellie Long and she and the team supporting her during the week has forged new partnerships and working relationships for the benefit of our Coventry LAC and Care Leavers. If all local companies, within the private sector, would offer the same learning opportunities for this vulnerable group then as a city we would have better future outcomes for this particular group - e.On's bravery in taking on this group is a credit to their local commitment to out special; Coventry 'kids'!

N/A

N/A however i will be recommending this to future older LAC and Care Leavers. This particular week will, hopefully, be just the start of a solid partnership for future LAC and Care Leavers within Coventry.