As your corporate parent, Peterborough City Council wants to give you access to real opportunities that can help you move forward.
The Virtual School has created this page for care experienced young people so you can easily find jobs, apprenticeships, work experience and advice designed with you in mind. It’s here to make things clearer, easier and more supportive as you take your next steps.
Opportunities
Jobs
Apprenticeships
Work Experience
Care Leavers Experiences
"Working for Peterborough City Council has been a saving grace for me coming out of the care system. From the attentive, kind and caring staff surrounding me to the higher up management team, the support is next to none. I have felt welcomed and listened to throughout my tenure here and I am thrilled to see what the future brings!"
Jack
"I am really grateful I have been given this opportunity to do this apprenticeship with the council. Before I started this apprenticeship I knew what I wanted to do but didn't know how to get there I only had functional skills English and no real qualifications. Education wasn't for me i was never able to sit in a classroom and learn so having this apprenticeship has really helped. I was so afraid to talk to parents and I could never speak up for myself but thanks to my team I've become more confident and I'm not afraid to speak up. I'm so grateful this apprenticeship and all the doors it will open for me."
Pri
Support Available
Education, Employment and Training (EET) Drop In
We want to encourage your passions and aspirations and help you find the best way to get where you want to be. Whether that is through education, training, apprenticeships or exploring the world of work, we will support you every step of the way. Our specially trained staff give one to one support across a wide range of areas related to your education, employment or training. This includes re engagement support, CV writing, interview skills and help with education or job applications, along with other personalised guidance that supports your next steps.
Mentoring
Peterborough Virtual School carefully matches care experienced young people with an education, employment and training mentor. Mentors are specially trained employees from a wide range of professional backgrounds who meet with you regularly to provide personalised guidance and encouragement as you work towards your career goals. Their role is to support you, challenge you and help you stay on track as you plan your next steps.
Higher Education Support
If you are interested in going to university or would simply like to explore your options, Peterborough Virtual School can offer you a specialist worker who will create an individual plan tailored to your needs. This support can cover a wide range of areas, including guidance on choosing the right courses, help with writing your UCAS application, interview preparation, finance information related to your entitlement as a care leaver and access to enrichment opportunities. You can also receive support on results day, including help with the clearing process if needed. While you are studying at university, you can continue to access advice and guidance from specially trained staff within Peterborough Virtual School whenever you need it.
To access this support, please email virtualschool@peterborough.gov.uk
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Our Top Tips
Applying for a role is a simple step‑by‑step journey. You may be offered an online information session to help you understand the vacancy, then you complete the application. Managers will shortlist applications and invite people to interview if they meet the essential criteria. You will be kept updated at each stage so you can feel confident and prepared.
If you meet the essential criteria for the role, you will be invited to interview.
Your CV does not need to be long or complicated. Keep it clear, easy to read and focused on your strengths. If you do not have much work experience, include hobbies, clubs or volunteering and explain the skills you have gained. We can help you build a skills‑based CV that highlights your potential.
Hobbies can be a great way of showing the skills you already have. For example, sports can show teamwork and commitment, music can show dedication and creativity, and volunteering can show empathy and responsibility. Choose examples that connect well with the role you are applying for.
Use your personal statement to tell us about your skills, your motivation and your goals. A helpful way to structure it is to answer these questions:
- What qualities, skills and knowledge will you bring to the role
- Why do you want this role
- What difference do you hope to make and where do you see yourself in five years
This helps the panel understand who you are and what you hope to achieve.
We will let you know who you will meet, what to bring and what to expect. Once you confirm that you can attend your interview, you will receive the interview questions so you can prepare. Take some time to learn about Peterborough City Council, think about examples that show your skills and aim to arrive a little early, so you feel calm and ready.
STAR can help you explain your examples clearly:
- Situation – what was happening
- Task – what you needed to do
- Action – what you did
- Result – what happened afterwards
Examples can come from anywhere, including school, home, volunteering or work.
If you would like help with your CV, personal statement, interviews or exploring career options, you can attend an Education, Employment and Training drop‑in session. You will meet friendly staff who can offer one to one guidance and help you take the next steps at a pace that feels right for you.
