Croydon, United Kingdom—Fedcap’s UK division has teamed up with multinational retailer IKEA to help unemployed young people in the UK experience the workplace as part of its efforts to support them into employment. 

Fedcap is running a series of Employer Awareness Days in the United Kingdom in direct response to requests from people aged under 25 who are struggling in the job market because of a lack of experience and confidence. Fedcap arranged for young people, who are benefiting from support through the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart initiative, to visit IKEA’s stores to see the range of careers on offer and experience what a workplace feels like. 

The initiative is part of Fedcap’s response to the growing increase in youth unemployment in the United Kingdom. There are nearly one million young people aged 16-24 in the UK Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). 

“Partnerships with employers across the countries and communities we serve are absolutely essential to creating real and meaningful pathways to economic mobility. Young people need more than advice about the world of work,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap. “They need opportunities to experience it, build confidence, understand the careers available to them and see themselves succeeding. By opening its workplace and sharing the breadth of opportunities it offers, IKEA is helping young people take an important step toward sustainable employment and a stronger economic future.”  

“It was a pleasure to welcome Fedcap to IKEA Croydon to help mentor, motivate and support young people in understanding the job opportunities available, what they involve, and how to find the right role for them,” said David Rickford, People and Culture Operations Coordinator at IKEA Croydon. “This initiative aligns closely with our IKEA values of caring for people and the planet and togetherness. On a personal level, it's incredibly rewarding to know you're helping to make a positive difference in a young person's life. It was encouraging to see the support Fedcap provides to help individuals build confidence and move closer to employment. It was a successful day with great interaction, meaningful discussions, and a really positive atmosphere." 

Universal access to meaningful work experience is one of ten recommendations made recently in Fedcap's Community Impact Policy Institute's report: “Recommendations to End Youth Inactivity in the UK: A National Framework for Re-Engagement.” 

In the report, Fedcap advocates a national youth employment program for the UK that combines skills development, mental health support, and meaningful work experience. This builds on Fedcap's integrated approach to supporting young people to improve their economic mobility, providing structured, personalized support through employability services, skills development and health interventions. 

Alongside the Employer Awareness Days, Fedcap is also piloting a youth mentoring program, matching volunteers from businesses and local communities with under-25s to act as positive role models and help normalize fears about work and adult life.  

“Many young people have not experienced a work environment or struggle to understand the variety of career paths and opportunities that could be available to them,” said Susan Paterson, Executive Director of UK’s Fedcap Employment. “We're proud to have partnered with a major employer like IKEA and are very grateful for its support. From the feedback we've had from the young people who took part, it's clear that, together, we've already started to make a difference to their outlook and confidence.”