John Lewis Partnership aims to hire over 300 care experienced young people by January 2025
The John Lewis Partnership has announced plans to hire more than 300 care experienced young people by January 2025.
The move forms part of the partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme that aims to provide meaningful career opportunities for people with experience of the care system.
The announcement coincides with Foster Care Fortnight which is run by The Fostering Network from 13 to 26 May. To support the event, Waitrose chefs led a cooking masterclass for foster families at the Waitrose Kings Cross cookery school that guided participants through a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a flatbread from scratch. The class aimed to offer a bonding experience, as well as equip the young adults with essential culinary skills to promote both independence and confidence.
Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We are passionate about improving the lives of young care experienced people. That’s why we are running dedicated employability schemes, offering young people opportunities that, through no fault of their own, have been out of reach until now.
“This new ambition, as part of our Building Happier Futures programme, signals our commitment to help care experienced people gain skills and experience that sets them up in their careers.”
The John Lewis Partnership has employed 76 people with care experience backgrounds through the programme to date.
Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, said: “As a Fostering Friendly Employer, John Lewis Partnership is doing brilliant work to remove barriers and provide meaningful career opportunities for care leavers.
“I hope this Foster Care Fortnight sparks more businesses to think about adopting similar initiatives, and would encourage anyone who’s been inspired to check out the Care Leaver Covenant for more information about how you can get involved.”
