DETAILS:
Sheffield Futures is delivering The Summer Jobs Programme in Sheffield for a second year, in partnership with UK Youth.
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 a further 900 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.
Now in its second year in Sheffield, the six-week paid work programme aims to combat the barriers that many young people face in gaining employment by offering paid work experience to young people aged 16 to 20. It is specifically designed to reduce the risk of youth violence by providing structured opportunities that empower young people and build brighter futures.
Young people are placed with local employers for 6 weeks over the summer holidays. Our project coaches are on hand to support the young people through the programme and to offer advice to the employers.
How can I get involved?
If you work with young people, referrals to the programme are now open. We’ll be accepting referrals until 1st May through the online form.
Young people can also refer themselves using the same form.
If you’re a local employer looking to support young people to improve their skills, develop confidence, and make a lasting impact, please register your interest in hosting a placement.
What is the research about?
The Summer Jobs Programme aims to build evidence on the best ways to support the most vulnerable young people in our country by keeping them safe and improving their future involvement in education, training, and employment.
The programme is part of a national study funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, Youth Futures Foundation and DCMS, and delivered by UK Youth and Local Delivery Partners such as Sheffield Futures, and evaluated by IFF Research.
Eligibility Criteria
The full list of criteria can be found here.
To be accepted onto the programme, the young person must meet all of the criteria in Column 1 and at least 1 of the criteria in Column 2.
For more information, visit UK Youth’s website.
The deadline for applications is
If you’re thinking about applying for the Unloc Changemaker Grant, go for it! Not only does it provide the financial support to bring your ideas to life, but the mentorship and guidance you receive are invaluable. It’s a chance to take your passion seriously, gain confidence, and make real progress toward your goals.
-Khamani Edwards
Previous Changemaker
Grant winner
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