Help getting a job

Support including help with interviews and applications

Applying for jobs

We can help you with:

  • form filling
  • letter writing
  • making the most of interviews
  • money for interview clothes, travel to work or training

You can get help from the targeted youth adviser and employment advisers who work alongside your social worker or personal adviser. They have links to local employers so they can find opportunities.

You can also get information and advice from your local Jobcentre Plus.

You can find lots of opportunities for young people on The Prince’s Trust website.

Essex Youth Service offer support in your education, employment and training search.

There are lots of places you can search for jobs, including:

Job clubs

Each of the Leaving and After Care teams in Essex hold job clubs and drop ins.

Here you can get advice and support about work and study to give you the best chance of getting the right job for you.  

Colchester drop in

Address: Colchester Town House Youth Centre, 39-42 E Stockwell St, Colchester CO1 1SS

Day and time: Thursdays, 12pm to 2pm

Clacton drop in

Youth Centre, Clacton Green lodge 180 Old Rd, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 3AY

Day and time: Wednesdays, 12pm to 2pm

Chelmsford drop in

Address: Chelmer Gate Youth Centre, 193 Moulsham St, Chelmsford CM2 0LG

Day and time: Fridays, 10am to 3pm

Basildon drop in

Address: Timberlog Youth Centre, Timberlog Lane, Basildon, SS14 1UX

Day and time: Wednesdays, 3pm to 6pm

Harlow drop in

Address: Hare Street Youth Centre, Harberts Road, Harlow, CM19 4AY 

Day and time: Wednesdays, 2pm to 5pm

Jobs at Essex County Council

At Essex we've signed up for the care leaver job interview scheme. If you apply for a job at Essex County Council, tick the Care Leaver job interview scheme box. 

Search for jobs on the Working for Essex website.

During the interview process you'll receive:

  • support through the interview process
  • a call to explain the process
  • top tips

If you take a job with us, you can access:

  • an induction programme with instructor led sessions
  • group learning
  • learning resources and videos
  • employee support groups
  • wellbeing networks
  • a network of people to support you

You can find out more on the Care Leaver Covenant website.