The Summer Jobs Programme is a six-week initiative for young people aged 16-20 (subject to change) at risk of violence. It includes a preparation week, five weeks of paid work experience, and comprehensive support from youth workers throughout.
2024 Programme Highlights
In 2024, 428 young people participated in The Summer Jobs Programme across Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and London. In 2025, we aim to expand the programme to 600 participants and extend its reach to South Wales, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Sheffield, and Doncaster.
In 2024, we were proud to offer placements with leading employers such as Timpson, Burger King, Veolia, Biffa, Beautyfix, The Anderton Centre, Morgan Sindall, and many others. In 2025, we aim to expand this list by partnering with even more top employers.
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
Young people who fit the eligibility criteria can be referred to the programme from March 2025. Check back here then for more information on how to get involved.
“I’m just really glad that I had the opportunity to get on and actually get some skills and knowledge and stuff.”
Youth organisations
Expression of interest now open!
We’re really pleased that you are interested in working with us to deliver exciting programmes to young people across the country. We are looking for 18 Local Delivery Partners to run The Summer Jobs Programme in the locations stated above.
If you are selected as a Local Delivery Partner, you would be required to:
- Recruit around 60 young people at risk of violence
- Support around 30 young people to complete the programme which includes completing pre-employment checks and running a preparation week
- Provide regular youth worker check-ins during 5 weeks of a work placement with a local employer.
You will receive around £45,000 in funding and training from UK Youth to support delivery of the programme.
We are holding 2 information sessions before the application deadline, join us online to have all your questions answered.
| Zoom Info Session 1 | Monday 6th January, 11am-12:30pm. Register here. |
| Zoom Info Session 2 (a repeat of session 1) | Monday 13th January, 2-3:30pm. Register here. |
How do I apply?
The deadline for completed expressions of interest is 9am on 30th January 2025. Please use the link below to register your organisation and apply for the project. We strongly advise referring to the FAQs and programme information document below before completing the EOI form. Once you have read the information, please answer each question accurately and to the best of your ability. If you have any queries, contact summerjobs@ukyouth.org and we’ll be happy to help.
“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.”
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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