Not Impossible

Team Not Impossible Limited

Not Impossible

A tech platform connecting underserved young people to micro work experience placements that build networks and social mobility.

Bristol, UK

GBR

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

Young people from underserved backgrounds struggle to access meaningful work experience that builds confidence, networks, and pathways into fulfilling careers. In the UK, 75% of top employers rank work experience as the most important factor when hiring school leavers, yet access is deeply unequal (CIPD, 2021). Young people from low-income families are 80% less likely to gain work experience compared to their wealthier peers (Social Mobility Commission, 2019), reinforcing intergenerational disadvantage. Globally, the challenge is even more acute. Over 20% of young people aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), according to the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2024). These youth face barriers to building the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in the workforce—barriers exacerbated by a lack of exposure to real-world work environments. At the same time, employers want to support and recruit diverse talent but often lack the time, resources, or know-how to provide accessible, inclusive recruitment and experiences. We’re solving this double-sided problem: (1) young people lack access to meaningful opportunities aligned with their interests; and (2) employers struggle to engage them effectively. This results in lost potential on both sides. Our platform bridges the gap through tech-enabled, scalable, and human-centered microplacements.

Not Impossible is a tech-enabled platform that helps young people from underserved communities access meaningful, short-term work experiences—what we call microplacements. These microplacements are designed to be time-light for employers but life-changing for young people. Our platform matches young people aged 16–25 with purpose-driven employers for one-on-one experiences with employees who share their passions, values, or personality traits. These encounters might be a one-hour virtual conversation, a half-day job shadowing, or a full in-person immersion—each carefully crafted to spark curiosity, confidence, and connection. Young people join the platform, share their interests and personal story through a simple onboarding journey, and are shown curated opportunities where they can learn directly from professionals they relate to. Employers use a guided interface to create microplacement offers, and are supported in preparing inclusive, meaningful interactions. The platform uses a matching engine that considers personality traits, aspirations, and values to recommend high-affinity connections. Smart automations handle logistics—like scheduling, reminders, and follow-up—making the process seamless for both sides. Not Impossible makes work experience personal, purposeful, and possible for those who've historically been left out—unlocking opportunity through human connection.

Our solution serves young people aged 16–25 from underserved communities—those full of potential but too often excluded from traditional routes into meaningful work experience. This includes first-generation university students, care leavers, young carers, refugees, and those from low-income households or underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. These young people frequently lack the professional networks, tailored career guidance, or exposure to relatable role models that more privileged peers take for granted. Critically, they also lack the family connections on which so many current work experience opportunities still depend—relying instead on cold applications, limited access, or no pathway at all. Many also juggle part-time work, study, or caring responsibilities that make conventional placements impractical. We partner with widening participation teams at universities, care leaver support programs, equity and inclusion initiatives, and schools in low-opportunity areas to reach and support them. Not Impossible provides one-on-one microplacements with professionals who share their passions, values, or personality traits. These experiences—ranging from a one-hour virtual call to a full-day in-person visit—are designed to fit flexibly around their lives. Travel and lunch are covered to reduce cost barriers.