Supporting Early Careers with eBay and P3 Charity

Earlier this month, eBay opened the doors of its UK headquarters in Richmond to host a careers fair for young people supported by P3 Charity and other local organisations in an inspiring opportunity to explore future careers, develop practical skills and connect with industry professionals. The day was packed with interactive workshops, panel discussions and hands-on activities designed to build confidence and equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in the world of work. 

With 15.3 per cent of 16–24-year-olds in the UK currently unemployed, up from 14.8 per cent in 2024, events like this have never been more essential. As youth unemployment continues to rise and with nearly one million young people now classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training), navigating the job market has become increasingly daunting for those at the very beginning of their working lives. For many of the young people we support, higher education isn’t always an option. Not through a lack of ambition, but through personal challenges such as homelessness, family breakdown or poor mental health which can add complex challenges to daily life. As a result, they are being left behind in a job market that’s competitive and changing faster than ever. Large corporations like eBay with highly skilled teams and resources are well-placed to address this growing concern in collaboration with local charities.  

A standout highlight was the CV-building session, where young people received tailored advice, were taught interview techniques and were given support to craft strong CVs, particularly when they have no prior professional experience to list. Each young person was encouraged to identify their unique strengths, a boost that left everyone feeling more confident and ready to pursue their ambitions. 

Fourteen young people aged 16–18 from P3’s supported accommodation in Hillingdon were in attendance. Building on the support they already receive from P3, we provide secure housing alongside tailored support plans to every young person who stays in our accommodation. For many, P3’s guidance, with the support of our corporate partners, is a crucial stepping stone for education, employment and independence. Our approach goes beyond providing accommodation: it focuses on skills development, confidence building and connecting young people with meaningful work experience opportunities. 

P3 runs a wide range of bespoke employment workshops, including career planning, interview coaching and practical skills training. Through our partnerships with local businesses like eBay, young people gain real-world experience to the workplace, build professional networks and develop the skills they need to take the next steps in their careers. 

“It was great to get out of my comfort zone and build confidence in work-based skills. I also liked meeting other [young] people from other P3 places. The day was both fun and motivational.” said Lucinda, one of the young people supported by P3 Charity, who attended the event.  

Laura Lawson, Regional Young People and Family Services Manager, at P3 Charity, commented: “At P3, we provide more than immediate support, we are committed to preparing the young people who stay with us for their future. Career days like this are essential, giving them the tools, guidance and confidence they need to succeed. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with eBay, whose ongoing support – from career workshops and generous donations to taking part in the London Marathon – is truly invaluable and appreciated across our organisation.” 

eBay and P3 Charity have a long-standing partnership built on volunteering, fundraising and hands-on support. The team at eBay regularly get involved in supporting the young people at our accommodation service through career workshops, challenge events and through donations. This multi-faceted approach is something we bring to all our partnerships at P3, that ensures the people we support are at the heart of what we do.   

*Statistics provided by House of Commons Library. Direct links: (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05871/) (https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/SN06705./) 

Discover the real impact we’re making: Read our article on how young people are shaping and improving our services, below.