How to find accommodation for 16y son?

[Mumnetter111]

My DS has got an apprenticeship starting in September quite far away (around 6 hours so would not be able to live here.) Normally this would be out of the question but the apprenticeship is for a very prestigious company in the field DS wants to get into and would normally be unheard of for them to offer a job with no previous experience. I know it would crush him to not let him go as he’s beaten so many people to get it and been to so many interviews. He’s also very responsible and has always been mature for his age. Our only problem is finding accommodation for him at his age. Money is not an issue but within a reasonable amount - with the job he would be almost self sufficient as it pays around 24k. We’ve looked at rental properties in the area but agents won’t allow anyone under 18 and even then they’re not happy and would prefer a lot older.

host families

is there an organisation like this that covers the place where your son is going to live? (Disclaimer - this site was chosen at random, I’ve no idea if they are good or bad)

Alternatively, can you contact the company and ask them to put a shout out to see if anyone would be willing to house your son? Or they may know off accomadation?

Rent a room/be a lodger. You can go on find a roommate websites and meet the other roommates to see if he clicks with them.

I wouldn't let him live alone, no matter how mature- he'll get so lonely.

@Riverlee I’ll try this thank you!

@Thehonestybox I will look into this too. I’m not worried at all about that he’s very sociable and always been quick to make friends with frequent moves we’ve had as a family. He’s also met a few people during the interviews that he’s in contact with and arranging plans for meet ups.

I ran a B&B and we hosted a youngster on work experience for a few weeks at a local nature attraction. No older than 16. We also transported her (too young to drive) for a price.

For proper long term we would offer discounts too.

Might be worth looking into?

Can he talk to whoever is in charge of the apprenticeship scheme at the company to see if they can help? They’re normally quite good at placing apprentices/project students.

I’ve hosted a 17 year old

ti do so though I had a DBS check as she was under 18 and I normally hosted 18s and over

i did hosting through a local college who took foreign students - stopped now due to brexit and Covid19

maybe worth contacting a local college and asking where they’ve ever used hosts and could put you in touch with anyone with a dbs check ?

Have looked into this. Because it’s a big city (similar to Manchester) everywhere is so expensive and tends to be big chain companies.

Speak to the HR department for advice?
There’s rentaroom.com or something like that? House share? Lodge with an older couple who’ll take him under their wing?
Join local FB group & put a shout out?
I left home at 16 to work abroad. Lived with a family. I was fine. It was character building.

Are there any student halls nearby? Unite, IQ etc. My DD (16) studies away from home and rents a room in halls.

My sister went to college at 16 too far away for daily commute. She found accommodation with a landlady who housed and provided breakfast and eve meal for 4 16-18 year olds.