This week (14–18 July), Amey launches its first STRIVE care leaver programme in Manchester, aimed at supporting young adults transitioning out of the care system by providing them with essential resources and opportunities.
Care leavers in England face significant challenges as they transition into adulthood, being ten times more likely than their peers to be out of employment, education, or training by the age of 21. Many also lack the support networks that other young adults might have, making their journey to success more difficult.
To help bridge this gap, Amey has partnered with the Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) to deliver STRIVE, a programme offering personalised mentoring, pre-employability training, and real-world work experience.
Six young people have been selected to take part in the programme, with GMYN representatives providing ongoing support throughout the week.
Running across various Amey locations in Greater Manchester, participants will engage in daily sessions lasting 4–5 hours designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transport infrastructure sector. This hands-on experience promises vital insights and opportunities that may extend beyond the engagement week.
Adam Webster, Social Value Manager and Project Lead, said: “Having spent over a decade in the charity sector, I have seen first-hand the powerful impact businesses can have through genuine social value commitments. At Amey, we are serious about making a difference, and STRIVE is a key step toward our ambition of being a leader in social value.
“STRIVE stands out for its focus on pre-employability engagement and personalised support. By partnering with a local charity, we ensure care leavers receive tailored guidance to build trust and gain confidence. Our aim is to help individuals take meaningful steps toward employment or further training. By helping care leavers understand how their skills and interests align with real job roles, we’re empowering them to build successful, independent futures.”
Myrtle Finley, Work Readiness & Education Programme Manager at GMYN said: “We have really welcomed the opportunity to partner with Amey. Through this project our young people will get invaluable real-life taster experiences of work in a way that helps them to get a foot in the door of meaningful work opportunities. We are excited to see where this partnership leads moving forward.”