Routes to Employment

There are hundreds of educated and professional women in London who have valuable experience and knowledge and who are allowed to work, but are unable to find work that matches their skills because of the challenges that refugees face.

So, with our partner Routes Collective, we're working on a project to to help to overcome the barriers faced by refugee women accessing good quality work.

We believe that apprenticeships are an excellent means for helping these women to reclaim their careers in the UK. The apprenticeships we create will refresh their knowledge and hone their skills in a British working environment, and contribute towards their personal success as well as that of the organisation employing them.

Employers: join this project!

We are looking for employers to offer apprenticeships to women supported by Routes Collective's pre-employment programme. We're asking organisations pledge a guaranteed interview to refugee women applying for apprenticeship roles via The Routes to Employment project.

We are looking for roles which are being recruited for between June and October 2025. Suggested roles and functions are:

• Business Admin
• Project Management
• HR
• Accounts and finance
• Education
• Digital and Tech
• Marketing

Come along to our launch event to find out more.

Workwhile's employer support

Workwhile will support all participating employers through our highly impactful DevelopMentor training for the apprentices' line managers. This training - which is suitable for both new and experienced line managers - develops practical tools and techniques to get the best out apprentices, whilst creating a healthy working relationship. We will also provide a Good Work Health Check to each participating employer, supporting organisations to create conditions for apprentices and employees alike to thrive.

Routes's candidate support

Routes Collective will deliver a programme of pre-apprenticeship training for each candidate, to ensure they are ready to step back into work. Candidates will benefit from 8 days of training delivered over four weeks in May, including:

• In-depth understanding of apprenticeship programmes as a pathway to employment
• Insights into the application process, job structure, and workplace expectations
• Knowledge of UK working culture through connecting with professionals
• Confidence boost in employment, digital and professional soft skills
• Hands-on practice with volunteers from professional backgrounds
• Ongoing mentoring support from Routes

How to get involved

Contact Rob Singh r.singh@ippr.org for a conversation about how you can be part of the project, and book your place at our launch event here.