Our Summer Jobs Programme offers young people, aged 16-20 who are at risk of violence, a six-week paid work placement.
The programme aims to improve the young person’s wellbeing and mental health while supporting them with employability skills and self-confidence. The young person is also supported by a dedicated youth worker as part of their placement.
Planning is now underway for the 2026 programme, which aims to support more than 1,000 young people through placements in even more areas of the UK. The initiative draws inspiration from successful programmes in the US and builds on the achievements of previous years. The Summer Jobs Programme has engaged over 800 young participants since its inception in 2024, and highlights from years one and two of the programme can be found below.
Areas for 2026
| Greater London | All boroughs |
| Greater Manchester | All areas |
| West Midlands | Birmingham Metropolitan area |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | Leeds & Sheffield |
| North East | Newcastle, Middlesbrough & Stockton-on-Tees |
| North West | Liverpool & Preston |
| South Wales | Cardiff, Swansea and Newport |
| South West | Bristol |
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
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