9/04/2026
By Mohamed Koroma, Founder and Senior Consultant at Extro Creative
This partnership with the Institute of Employability Professionals marks a natural step in our journey to supporting more individuals into meaningful, sustained employment.
As founder of EXTRO Creative, and having worked within the Employability sector for close to a decade, I’ve seen first-hand the power of strong networks and genuine allyship. The sector has incredible potential, not just on a local level, but in shaping outcomes at scale. Joining the IEP as a business allows us to deepen those relationships and extend the impact of the work we’re already doing.
At the same time, it’s important to be honest about the challenges. The Employability sector has a branding issue. In reality, free support isn’t always valued the way it should be, and the link between employers and provision isn’t as strong as it needs to be. That makes it harder to move people into roles where they can actually grow and stay.
EXTRO exists to change that.
We support individuals and businesses to go beyond their potential, in ways that actually last. For individuals, that means meeting them where they are, breaking down barriers, and equipping them with the tools, confidence, and understanding needed to step into work and progress within it. For businesses, it means helping them access talent differently, focusing on readiness, mindset, and long-term fit, not just what sits on a CV.
Our approach is simple. Cut through the noise, remove unnecessary red tape, and have honest conversations that lead to real outcomes. We don’t believe in creating dependency. We believe in giving people the tools to support themselves, build confidence, and take ownership of their next steps.
Becoming a Capability Partner opens the door for us to collaborate more closely with organisations across the IEP network. It allows us to contribute to programmes that engage and inspire participants, while strengthening the connection between provision and employers. That connection is key. There is no shortage of people who want to work. The real challenge is closing the skills gap and rebuilding confidence on both sides of the hiring process.
Ultimately, this partnership is about alignment. By working alongside like-minded organisations, we can help shift the perception of employability support and demonstrate what’s possible when people, programmes, and employers are properly connected.
This is just the beginning.