Young adults leaving the care of Dorset Council are to be given an insight into career opportunities in the hospitality sector.

Hall & Woodhouse is inviting Dorset Council’s care leavers to a taster day at its brewery headquarters in Blandford on 24 November.

It will consist of a tour of the brewery to gain first-hand experience of the wide range of operations taking place there, followed by a session with one of their kitchen development chefs on how to create a healthy, budget meal. An informal Q&A session will follow, with opportunities for the young people to gain interview and assessment support and career advice.

Jill Meyerhoff, head of recruitment for Hall & Woodhouse said: “I’m very pleased to build on our relationship with Dorset Council and lend our support to Dorset’s care leavers. As a business, we are keen to support and nurture people to fulfil their potential and there are so many opportunities for young people to explore with us.

“We look for personality and potential and many of our managers have been promoted from within, which highlights the scope of career progression that is available.”

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education and Early Help said: “We would like to encourage more local businesses and organisations to consider how you could be part of Dorset’s initiative to give the best support to those leaving our care. If you’re willing to help, then we want to hear from you.”

The Care Leaver’s service currently supports over 260 young people aged 18-25 within the Dorset Council area. Many of the care leavers face the challenges of pursuing their studies or finding employment, while developing life skills, often without the support that other young people receive from family and friend networks.

Earlier this year, Dorset Council joined the national Care Leaver Covenant, a promise made by the private, public and voluntary sectors to provide support for Dorset’s care leavers.

If you would like to find out more about the Care Leaver Covenant and how you could support care leavers, please contact Susan Holden. Email: susan.holden@dorsetcc.gov.uk