Recruit Differently
We know that young people leaving care face extra barriers when it comes to finding work.
That’s why we’re committed to creating and finding opportunities that are inclusive, flexible, and shaped by the young people themselves.
By working with employers to rethink traditional recruitment and work experience, we help care leavers gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.
Work experience that really works
'Breaking the Mould' is all about giving care leavers hands-on experience while also helping employers understand how to adapt so young care leavers can access opportunities in a way that works for them.
With young care leavers and business working together, it combines practical roles in the community with workshops like CV building and mock interviews – all shaped by what young people say will help them succeed.
Along the way, we’ll share stories, insights, and learnings to inspire more employers to create inclusive, supportive work experiences that work for everyone.
“Not everyone knows what it’s like to have been in our situations and we would love employers to hear what we say. We’re the same as anyone else and if we have a goal we know to follow it. Even though we’ve had struggles we are still hardworking, resilient and strong willed.”
Sav, 18
Our pilot programme
In January 2026, we ran our first Breaking the Mould programme with Health Transport Group (HTG) in Norwich. It was a three-week programme which blended hands-on experience and training with HTG's crew and logistics teams alongside employability workshops chosen by the young people themselves.
Prior to completing the pilot, Liam, 23, shared, “This is the first work experience I’ve ever done, I never had the opportunity through school. I want to be taken seriously as some workspaces might look at my background as an excuse not to take me. For me personally, actual work experience is what I want to get and it’s one thing I’m missing, and I want a job.”
Liam has since been offered a role created especially for him. We held a celebration event in April and look forward to launching our second co-designed programme with Banham Zoo later this year.