390 is the internal code that IKEA uses to refer to written off stock which is recoverable. Many of the young people that are involved in Project 390 have been written off, but they too are recoverable. The partnership between the Vine Trust, a youth charity based in Walsall, and IKEA resulted in the birth of Project 390. IKEA donated some 390 stock to the Vine Trust, who then worked with a group of young people to assemble and sell the furniture.

The relationship developed and Project 390 now offers young people, who are often seen as hard-to-employ, as low-skilled labour for large employers,enabling them to take their first steps into the job market. The young people, who are often long-term unemployed or have been involved in the criminal justice system, are supported on-site by a team of youth workers, who help to develop their confidence and soft skills.
Project 390 came to the Learning Launchpad in 2009 and since then we have worked with them to develop links with potential delivery partners.

The team, led by the Vine Trust's CEO Kevin Davis, is now looking to expand into other stores across the UK, allowing them to offer more young people their first supported steps into employment.

Website: www.thevinetrust.co.uk