This article features In Touch, a volunteer programme run jointly by the Manchester Museum and Imperial War Museum North, that does more than teach individuals about the museums and their collections, it also gives them skills and experience they can transfer to their lives and future employment. Working in partnership has enabled both museums to diversity their volunteer demographic. The two museums work closely with local community organisations, service providers and employment agencies to recruit learners from across the community. Partners such as Job Centre Plus have become enthusiastic advocates for the work, recognising the important role volunteering can play in moving people on to new opportunities in education and employment. Some of the programme's volunteers have gone on to gain employment in the cultural sector, some have found work outside the sector, and others have gone on to further learning, including ICT, music technology, catering and media training.