A partnership between Yorkshire Building Society and food redistribution charity FareShare is marking two years of its employability programme, Building Skills for the Future. The programme has now helped over 1,900 people improve their employability skills, with 149 going on to secure employment.
Funded by Yorkshire Building Society and delivered by FareShare’s network partners across the UK, the programme provides tailored support to help people gain skills, qualifications, and confidence to enter the workforce. Locations include Yorkshire, Merseyside, London, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
Participants gain hands-on experience in warehouse and kitchen environments, learning skills such as logistics, stock management, and cooking. They can also earn Food Hygiene and Manual Handling accreditations, attend CV workshops, and take part in mock interviews with external companies. Many participants are introduced to the programme through FareShare’s network of over 8,000 charities.
Since the partnership began in November 2023, more than £850,000 has been raised by colleagues, members and donations from the Society, towards a £1million target to fund the programme, and hundreds of colleagues have volunteered over 2,400 hours to support FareShare directly.
Susan Allen, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Two years into our partnership with FareShare, we’re proud to see the continued success of the Building Skills for the Future programme.
“It has shown how access to training, support, and real-world experience can help people rebuild their confidence, take steps toward financial independence and transform their lives.
“As a mutual, we’re committed to supporting the communities where our members and colleagues live and work. This programme is a powerful example of how organisations can work together to create lasting change in communities across the UK.”
Sara Hook, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager at FareShare UK said: “Thanks to the continued support of Yorkshire Building Society, its colleagues and members, Building Skills for the Future programmes are now firmly embedded across our network. Over the past two years, we’ve seen thousands of people engage with the initiative, gaining vital skills and moving into employment.
“Our employability programmes are designed to help people recognise their strengths, overcome barriers, and unlock opportunities that can lead to lasting change.
“This partnership is not only helping people into work—it’s helping them build resilience, regain confidence, and take meaningful steps out of financial hardship.”
Paul Karalius at FareShare Merseyside reflected: “One story that really stands out is of a young man who joined our programme just before Christmas. He was in his late twenties, married with two children, and had worked in construction before becoming unemployed during COVID. When he came to us, he was uncertain about his future and struggling with confidence.
“Through the programme, he gained new qualifications, built his confidence, and developed interview and CV skills. A few months later, he secured full-time employment in the logistics industry with a local employer.
“Just before Christmas, he sent me a message saying, ‘I’m still in work and loving it. This year, Santa will bring the kids the presents they missed out on last year.’ That really shows the profound impact this programme can have—not just on individuals, but on families too.”
Alongside the employability initiative, the partnership also supports an outreach programme offering free workshops on job searching and financial wellbeing. Together, the programmes aim to help 2,500 people become more financially resilient.
For more information, visit www.ybs.co.uk/fareshare.
