UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme 2026 – Orange Bow – Supporting young people and adults with practical and meaningful support

what is the programme about?

Be part of something bigger

UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme connects motivated young individuals with a variety of work placements across different sectors, including: childcare, hospitality, admin and others. Through this programme, participants will not only earn a competitive wage but also gain first hand experience that will benefit their future careers.

This programme is designed to support vulnerable and marginalized young people and there are specific eligibility requirements such as being in contact with a social worker, at risk of criminal exploitation or previously being in care

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Earn extra income, taking advantage of paid opportunities that can help fund your summer activities or future plans

Develop new skills and enhance your CV with real-world experience

Take advantage of paid opportunities that can help fund your summer activities or future plans

Build Connection, network with professionals and fellow participants, building relationships that could benefit your future

ILLEGIBILITY CRITERIA:

6-week initiative for young people aged 16-20 (On 1st of September 2026)
Have right to work in the UK
Able to take part in 25 hours of work per week for a total of 6 weeks during summer 2026
Not currently employed for more than 15 hours per week
Living in one of the areas where the programme is being delivered in
Proficiency in English
Not currently charged with a serious offence
Not currently studying towards a degree

Applications accepted only for young people effected by:
• Are, or have been, in contact with Youth Offending Teams
• Have been arrested and released with no further action
• Have previously been in the secure estate (prisons, approved premises, bail accommodation and youth detention accommodation)
• Are attending, or have attended, an alternative provision unit
• Have had at least two fixed- term exclusions
• Have been permanently excluded
• Are, or have been, in foster care
• Have been the victim of violence
• Have, or have had, a social worker
• Have a sibling or parent who have been involved in serious violence
• Are, or have been, persistently absent from school (less than 90% attendance)*
• Have been identified as at risk of criminal exploitation**

Furthermore, as is the nature of this funding, it is important to note that going through the enrollment process does not mean an automatic place on the programme. Through an automated, randomised process, 50% of those who sign up will undertake the paid work placement, with the other 50% being placed in a control group and not undertaking the work placement.
Deadline to apply 8th May 2026, Full eligibility criteria applies*

PAY AND HOLIDAYS:

6 weeks of paid work experience, including a preparation week (£12.71 per hour paid on a weekly basis)
You will also have access fund to help you pay for for things during the programme ie: food, travel etc
You will get £10 for completing a baseline survey and another £15 for completing the end survey
You will get 3 days (15 hours) of holidays over 6 weeks – compulsory

If you know someone that might be interested please share this information to them and ask them to get in contact.

Meet the learners who’ve found new careers, built confidence, and transformed their lives through Orange Bow's UK YOUTH.

This was one of the best experiences I have had as a young adult. I have learnt a lot about myself and it has helped my work skills a lot. I worked as a barista for Sage and Poppy as well as Podcasting with Miccheck Studios and found out things I did not know I could do before

Bradley

I was working at a summer camp and this gave me more of an idea of what to do because there were so many opportunities to take and now I know which ones I prefer.

Tyrese

My experience at Orange Bow was eventful, I ended up doing admin and organization. At first I though I was not going to perform well at it, but as I went along I found it was one of the favorite things I done. Without any of the mentoring I would not have had a clear path to see through. Everyone here is very loving and welcoming with a smile.