Child Friendly Leeds

One minute guide: Start in Leeds

What Start in Leeds is

Start in Leeds is a digital online portal which provides a wealth of support to young people as they pursue their future career ambitions. Start in Leeds provides help for young people to investigate different career options, as well as learning, training and employment opportunities.

It is a key source of impartial information, advice and guidance for all young people, wherever they are learning, and is a universal resource provided by Leeds City Council to support young people in Leeds to transition from school into work.

Why we are doing it

Leeds City Council is committed to ensuring that all young people and their families are better informed about the jobs, careers and opportunities available to them in the city and beyond.

Start in Leeds plays a key role in this work, and provide a crucial pathway to support young people’s transition from learning to earning.

How Start In Leeds supports young people

Designed and developed by Leeds based U-Explore Limited, the localised Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) platform offers all young people moving through secondary school education and into work the opportunity to access, through their computer, phone and tablet, the best and most up to-date labour market information to inform their future study and career choices.

With interactive e-learning activities, available for use in schools and at home, the platform aims to inspire young people about the full range of career opportunities in and around the city, helping them to improve their chances of securing high-skilled employment.

Young people are also able to create an online digital CV which they can build up as they go through school.

Information for parents, carers, professionals, teachers and advisors

Research shows that young people are most likely to turn first of all to parents, carers or teachers for help and advice about planning for their future. Other practitioners such as personal advisors, learning mentors and youth workers also offer this support.

The website has a section each for teachers, parents or carers, advisors and other practitioners, to support them in assisting young people.

Key contacts and further information

On the Start in Leeds website there is information for:

  • teachers and professionals
  • parents and carers
  • employers
  • local authorities and local enterprise partnerships

Agencies can submit information about any upcoming events or open days they are holding - as well as courses, training and apprenticeship opportunities - and Start in Leeds will share the information on Twitter.

Employers can profile their business on Start in Leeds so that young people are able to understand more about the businesses in the city. If you have any comments, queries or feedback on the site, please email support@startprofile.com.

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