Education, learning and employment for young carers
There are lots of ways for young carers to learn new skills, prepare for the future, and build your confidence.
Getting help at school
If you are a young carer, school can sometimes feel difficult. You do not have to manage everything on your own. There are adults in school who can support you.
You can speak to any trusted adult in school, including:
- Your teacher or form tutor: They know you well and can help make your school day easier.
- The pastoral or wellbeing team: They can support you with any issues affecting your life, both inside and outside school.
- A teaching assistant or support worker: They can give you extra help, time, or a quiet space if you need it.
- The school counsellor or safeguarding lead: They are trained to listen without judgement and help you find the right support.
- It can make school feel less stressful.
- Staff may offer extra support or small changes to help you keep up with your work.
- You will have someone who understands what you are dealing with.
- You will realise you are not alone; many young people get support, and it is completely okay.
- Asking for help does not make you any less strong.
- You deserve the same chances as everyone else.
- You are never a burden; adults in school want to listen and help.
- A short conversation can make a big difference to your day.
Moving up to secondary school
Moving school, especially from Year 6 to Year 7, can be an exciting and daunting time for young carers and their families.
There are things you can do to cope and help you feel positive.
Post-16 education and training
Our post-16 education and training options are available once you have finished your GCSEs, A Levels, T Levels, and VTQ.
This includes information on apprenticeships, internships, traineeships, sixth-form schools and colleges, and universities.
Buckinghamshire Adult Learning
Buckinghamshire Adult Learning offers a broad programme of over 1,500 part-time courses and workshops, delivered online and from 140 locations across Buckinghamshire.
You can choose from a variety of subjects, such as art, crafts, languages, health and fitness, business, technology, and more. You can also find courses that can help you improve your English and maths skills or prepare for GCSE exams. You can browse the courses and enrol online on their website.
Buckinghamshire College Group
Buckinghamshire College Group provides professional and part-time courses for adults aged 19 and over.
You can study courses that can help you in your career, such as accounting, counselling, construction, plumbing, and electrical installations. You can also find courses that can help you develop your hobbies and interests, such as ceramics, painting, and knitting. You can view the courses and apply online on their website.
Central Training Group
The Central Training courses will help you to gain employability skills to a standard that allows you to effectively function in a workplace, train in a vocational area of your choice, and learn personal development skills.
Skill Up Bucks
Skill Up Bucks is an employability programme that creates opportunities for young people aged 17+ to meet and interact with employers across Buckinghamshire. The programme is funded by the European Social Fund and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Skill Up Bucks aligns educational institutions and local employers to provide work experience opportunities for anyone living in the county, developing both the available skills pool for local employers and opportunities for young people.
Bucks Skills Hub
Buckinghamshire Skills Hub is a website that connects young people in Buckinghamshire with local employers, training providers, and career opportunities.
You can explore different sectors and occupations, find out about apprenticeships and work experience, and access online tools and resources to help you with your career planning and employability skills.