John Lewis Partnership is aiming to hire more than 300 care experienced young people by January 2025 as part of its Building Happier Futures programme.
The department store retailer, which has employed 76 workers so far, said the target forms part of its commitment to providing career opportunities for people with experience of the care system.
The news coincides with the celebration of Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until 26 May by charity The Fostering Network.
In support of the event, Waitrose chefs led a cooking masterclass for foster families as its Kings Cross cookery school with the class designed to offer a bonding experience and equip the young adults with essential culinary skills.
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John Lewis Partnership chair Sharon White 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 retailer said its Building Happier Futures programme, which forms part of the newly created John Lewis Partnership Foundation, has raised over £2m in funds from its customers, suppliers and staff.
In October, John Lewis launched a new lifestyle brand, Made With Care, which has been curated by designers and creators who grew up in the care system, to celebrate the first anniversay of its Building Happier Futures programme.
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