IKEA x Fedcap: Innovative collaboration supports young people to gain real-world work experience

Not-for-profit organisation Fedcap has teamed up with multinational retailer IKEA to help unemployed young people experience the workplace as part of its efforts to support them into employment.

Fedcap is running a series of Employer Awareness Days in direct response to requests from people aged under 25 who are struggling in the jobs market because of a lack of experience and confidence.

Fedcap arranged for nine young people from Brighton and Guildford, who are benefiting from support through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme, to visit IKEA’s Croydon store 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. There are nearly one million young people aged 16–24 in the UK Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

Susan Paterson, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment, said: “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. We’ve co-designed Employer Awareness Days with young people who’ve told us that as well as demystifying the workplace, they also need to spend time in a working environment to help build their social skills and confidence.

“The idea of being in a workplace feels intimidating and overwhelming to many young people. By experiencing it and feeling like they belong there they can also start to see new opportunities and a pathway to a positive future through work.

“We’re proud to have partnered with a major employer like IKEA for our first event 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.”

David Rickford, People and Culture Operations Coordinator at IKEA Croydon, said:

“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.

“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 programme 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, personalised support through employability services, skills development and health interventions.

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