A true partnership for refugees, with benefits on both sides

At Breaking Barriers, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and refugees bring unique skills and experiences with them to the UK. But navigating the job market here can be daunting. 

Through our partnership with the Apax Foundation we’re making meaningful strides toward empowering refugees and helping them unlock their potential.

In this blog, we’ll explore our powerful partnership with the Apax Foundation, highlighting the impact we’ve created together and how Apax employees are directly involved in transforming lives. Watch the video below to hear Andrew Waidhofer, Principal at Apax, share his personal connection to our mission and reflect on the impact of our work together.

A Shared Mission for Social Mobility 

Breaking Barriers was founded with a simple yet profound mission: to support refugees in the UK in overcoming barriers to employment. Through one-to-one advice and guidance, a mix of bespoke education programs, and partnerships with leading businesses, our goal is to support refugees to build the knowledge, confidence, and networks they need to succeed in the job market. 

Supporting our work was a natural fit for the Apax Foundation, as their focus on social mobility aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide refugees opportunities to thrive in the UK.  Since 2017, the Apax Foundation has been one of our valued partners, not only through financial support but by offering its time and expertise through employee-led workshops, mentoring, and recruitment initiatives. 

How does this partnership make a difference? 

One of the most significant ways the Apax Foundation supports our clients is through CV and interview workshops, often hosted by Apax employees, giving them the practical skills and confidence they need to succeed in the job market. In 2023, 95% of clients reported that workshops like this improved their professional skills, and 84% felt more confident in achieving their career goals. 

But the Apax Foundation’s involvement goes beyond workshops.  It has actively connected our clients with job opportunities within the portfolio companies of the Apax Funds, providing refugees with direct access to employment that would otherwise be difficult to secure. Apax also recently conducted its first job interview with one of our clients, demonstrating the life-changing opportunities that have emerged from the partnership. 

Growing stronger together

The partnership has been a two-way street, benefiting both organisations. For the Apax Foundation, engaging with us has raised awareness across Apax of the challenges refugees face, showing how businesses can play a pivotal role in solving them. It has also given Apax employees a meaningful way to contribute to social mobility, both through workshops and mentorship programs. 

From our side, the Apax Foundation has been instrumental in providing strategic support, including guidance through important transitions like our change in CEO and improving our reporting and outcome-tracking systems. With their help, we’ve been able to ensure that our programs continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of the refugee community. Andrew Waidhofer’s role as a trustee on the board has been particularly influential in navigating the broader challenges posed by the economic landscape. 

Andrew encourages others within Apax to get involved as well: “Every year, Breaking Barriers runs workshops, and I’d encourage everyone to participate. It’s an eye-opener, and the opportunity to mentor or help refugees goes far beyond simply donating money.” 

Building the future together 

As our partnership grows, so does our ambition. Over the next few years, we aim to continue expanding our workshops and job placement opportunities for refugees, with the help of the Apax Foundation and the Apax Funds’ extensive network of portfolio companies. This ambition aligns with the Apax Foundation’s core aim of making a meaningful difference in the communities where the Apax teams work and live. And it will help Breaking Barriers achieve our long-term vision that every refugee can access meaningful employment and build a new life.