The Summer Jobs Programme is a six-week initiative for young people aged 16-20 at risk of violence, helping them gain skills, confidence, and a brighter future.
What did young people think?
95% of young people stated that they were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the overall Summer Jobs programme.
“Recently, my life… hasn’t been the most positive thing. So, it was just nice to see everyone was excited around me that I’m doing something good” – Summer Jobs Participant
“I’m just really glad that I had the opportunity to get on and actually get some skills and knowledge and stuff.” – Summer Jobs Participant
Why did placement providers get involved?
- Placement providers demonstrated a desire to support the programme and offer opportunities to vulnerable young people. They stated that the programme aligned with their values
- Placement providers like the prospect of having extra staff over the summer months
“We’re supporting young people. We’re getting extra labour. It seems like a good idea.” – Supervisor
What did placement providers think?
82% of employers said that they were satisfied with the overall programme
80% of employers said that they would definitely or most likely take part in the programme next year
82% of employers said that they were satisfied with young persons’ fulfilment of tasks
“There is benefit for your staff by having these [young people] in because it helps [core] staff develop […] their managerial [and] transferable skills.” – Supervisor
“I’ve definitely seen him grow in maturity and confidence, for sure, and I think that comes from being trusted. I think it comes from being paid well as well.” – Supervisor
“The young person was really quiet and shy when he arrived but he came out of his shell and from the start to the end of the programme his confidence improved dramatically. We didn’t treat him any differently from the rest of the team, he exceeded our expectations and I like to think he left with some useful experience and a sense of pride in what he had achieved.” – Supervisor
After taking on 21 young people from the programme in their restaurants, Burger King permanently hired 11 of them. Many other young people were also hired by their placement provider.
What did local delivery partners think?
85% of Local Delivery Partner staff said that they were satisfied with the overall programme
“It’s changing their mindset early on, and the ability to do that and then throw them into the work environment is where this programme has succeeded.” – Local Delivery Partner
“To be honest, I’ve really enjoyed delivering the programme, seeing the journey, seeing them grow.’’ – Local Delivery Partner
Young people
Referrals for the Summer Jobs Programme 2025 are now open. To qualify for the programme, young people must meet the eligibility criteria below.
Referrals close on Saturday 17th May 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria March 2025
This year, the programme is also running as a Randomised Control Trial (RCT). This means that if they registered following referral, young people will be randomised into either a control group of the intervention group, with a 50% chance of a summer job.
However, a referral does not guarantee a place on the programme and not everyone who is referred will be registered to the programme. Therefore, we recommend referring early.
- Referrals will be passed on to the relevant delivery partner based on the area selected.
- Eligible young people will be contacted, if there are spaces available, to be registered to the programme.
- Registration will consist of gathering more information and completing Right to Work checks.
- Young people must complete a baseline survey and consent to take part in the randomised control trial at registration to be able to take part in the programme.
- Young people have a 50% chance of paid work experience (as long as there are placements available). A computer programme with randomly place them into one of two groups:
- Group 1: This group of young people will receive a placement with Summer Jobs
- Group 2: This group of young people will not receive a placement with Summer Jobs.
We welcome referrals from young people who are interested in the programme. You can refer yourself, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Places will fill up, so we recommend referring yourself early. Please note that a referral doesn’t guarantee you a place on the programme.
Summer Jobs 2025 Referral Form (Page 1 of 7)
Youth organisations
Applications to be a delivery partner on this programme have now closed.
We are delighted to announce the 19 youth organisations who will be running The Summer Jobs Programme are:
- London | Dragon Hall – Soap Box
- London | Northside Youth and Community Connections
- London | Orange Bow CIC
- London | Project Zero WF CIC
- London | Spark!
- London | Spiral Skills CIC
- London | Think Forward UK
- London | Youth League
- Manchester | GMYN
- Manchester | Nurturing Foundations
- Manchester | Power 2
- Manchester | Wigan Youth Zone
- North East & Yorkshire & The Humber | Flying Futures CIC
- North East & Yorkshire & The Humber | Doncaster City Council
- North East & Yorkshire & The Humber | Sheffield Futures
- Wales | Youth Cymru
- West Midlands | Catch 22
- West Midlands | Sport 4 Life UK
- West Midlands | Sporting your Futures
“I think, for me, it was young people that are labelled and categorised are getting opportunities. They’re not just being, okay, nobody’s going to work with them anymore. Their behaviours are out the window. They’re just criminalised. They’re involved in this, this, this. For me, it was wow. Somebody is finally giving these young people an opportunity.” – Youth Worker
Employers
We are currently recruiting for placement providers in 2025. We welcome a range of diverse placement opportunities. By participating in this programme, you’re investing in the future workforce, contributing to positive social change and previous employers also found new employees and, with several young people receiving job offers after their involvement in this programme.
To hear more, we are holding weekly drop-in sessions every Thursday from 12-1pm. This is your chance to have your questions answered and find out more about the programme.
Register for our weekly drop-in session here
To formally express your interest in the programme, please complete the form below:
Formally express your interest in the programme here
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