New action plan to support education, employment and training

Devon County Council has launched a new ‘Brighter Futures’ action plan to help young people move confidently into education, employment or training.

The plan, approved by the council’s Cabinet this summer, sets out how it will work together with partners over the next three years to support young people aged 16 to 25, with a particular focus on those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and others who may be struggling to find their way into further learning, training or employment.

The plan also focuses on care-experienced young people, and the council’s priority to make Devon the best place to grow up for those in or leaving care.

Practically, for all groups, that includes additional mentoring and internship opportunities, more personalised support pathways into learning or employment, and strengthening the one-to-one support to care-experienced young people during transitions.

The new action plan supports the council’s strategic ambition to build a positive future for Devon where everyone thrives, and where young people and adults are supported to access skills, learning and opportunities to progress.

The key features of the plan include:

• Personalised mentoring and support for vulnerable young people, helping them build confidence and find the right opportunities.
• More supported internships and work placements, especially for care leavers and those with additional needs.
• Better access to transport and digital resources, so rural isolation doesn’t hold anyone back.
• A new Job Quality Charter, encouraging local employers to offer meaningful, secure jobs with room to grow.
• Local Youth Offers, tailored to the needs of each community, so support is available close to home.

The plan has been shaped by young people, with their experiences and ideas having helped design the strategy.

Devon County Councillors will be asked to consider the plan at its Cabinet meeting on 8 October.