DPD UK has announced a programme delivering 24,000 mentoring sessions in its first year to 16 to 25 year olds across the UK. 

Up to 2,000 DPD UK colleagues will participate in the initiative, volunteering at least 30 minutes each per month for 12 months to virtually support young people with careers advice on everything from how to improve a CV, to preparing for an interview, and building confidence to face a difficult job market. Thousands of young people are set to be involved, and they can come back for a second or third session.

This is an attempt to address the crisis of 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 (13%) classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training) in the UK, according to the latest ONS figures, with the youth unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds standing at 15.8%.

The programme was developed and will be facilitated by mentorhero, a new global mentoring platform co-founded by Jackson Parsons who hosts career show 'My Duvet Flip', also aimed at supporting young people with careers advice content, with more than one million subscribers on YouTube.

mentorhero uses proprietary technology and bespoke design to match mentors and mentees and guide them through a productive and authentic mentoring conversation. All sessions run on mentorhero's safeguarded platform.

Justin Pegg, CEO at DPD UK, says: “We have long believed that businesses have a responsibility to invest in the next generation. I have already completed three mentoring sessions with mentorhero myself and plan to keep going, and I am so pleased my team will help young people reach their potential. We are proud to commit to 24,000 mentoring sessions over the next 12 months through this partnership, and we look forward to the impact we will have together.”

Jackson Parsons says: “Many young people don't have the privilege of someone telling them how work works - and the job market is incredibly tough right now. Our goal with mentorhero is to give young people access and give professionals a way to give back - all with the goal of making the UK a powerhouse for youth employment. DPD UK's commitment to mentoring is inspiring and this country needs more leaders like Justin prioritising giving back.”

Olly Craughan, a mentor at DPD UK who has completed two mentoring sessions, comments: “The platform made it really easy, and the conversations are honestly very rewarding. I'm already looking forward to my next mentoring session and am glad I have the chance to do this at DPD UK.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Training initiatives will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.

Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.