Waitrose owner the John Lewis Partnership has unveiled a goal to hire more than 300 care experienced young people by January 2025.

The move forms part of the retailer’s Building Happier Futures programme and coincides with the celebration of Foster Care Fortnight (13 to 26 May), run by The Fostering Network.

In support of this, Waitrose chefs led a cooking masterclass for foster families at the grocer’s Kings Cross cookery school aimed to offer a bonding experience, as well as equip young adults with essential culinary skills.

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John Lewis Partnership chairman 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 Fostering Network chief executive Sarah Thomas added: “The John Lewis Partnership continues to raise the bar for others to follow, through their Building Happier Futures Programme, leading the way as our largest Fostering Friendly employer.

“So often care experienced young people miss out on education and employment opportunities as they don’t always have the same family support system as those without care experience. This ambition from John Lewis opens up critical opportunities, levelling the playing field and providing the foundation for a positive future.”